City staff needs $220K extra to cover overtime, buy salt

Harsh winter depletes stockpile

Due to a harsh winter, Jefferson City staff is requesting a supplemental appropriation of $200,000 to replenish the city's stockpile of salt and to cover additional overtime expenses.

Operations Division Director Britt Smith told the city's Public Works and Planning Committee on Thursday that the city's stockpile is currently at 30 percent and he'd like to have it refilled by the fall months in case of early snow. Smith said 2,500 tons of salt will replenish the supply.

He estimates the cost of salt at $150,000 to $175,000. There is currently $25,000 in the street chemical account, so an additional $125,000 to $150,000 is needed.

"We also had a high amount of overtime, and are $38,000 in the hole on that budget," Smith said. "The street department still has overtime needs throughout the year, so we're requesting $50,000 for overtime pay, making the total request $200,000."

Public Works and Planning Committee members decided to discuss the request further with City Administrator Steve Crowell and if a conclusion is reached, one of the members will sponsor a bill for full City Council approval.

The city already has spent more than $500,000 on snow removal this winter, which includes the costs of chemicals, equipment and manpower.