Snow removal options headed to budget deliberations

The hot topic of snow removal was front and centre at the latest meeting of Merritt City Council.

The discussion spurred by a historic snowfall on December 21, was led by CAO Sean Smith and Public Works Superintendent Charlie Henderson.

“Where we fell short on December 21, that snowfall went over our capacity. The crew did a bang-up job, they worked night and day, but we couldn’t complete 24-hour coverage and that is where we fell short,” said Henderson.

During a nearly two-hour presentation from staff, the council was given nine potential options to improve snow clearing capacity.

The options ranged from purchasing new equipment and hiring additional staff to the use of contractors to supplement in-house crews during large snowfall events.

At the end of the evening, the council did not select any one option for the City, agreeing that the discussion should be held during budget deliberations.

“If we have unlimited money, we can solve all the problems, but I think where the discussion really needs to take place is at the budget table,” said Coun. Kurt Christopherson.

– Written by Michael Reeve

news@Q101.ca

On Twitter: @Q101Merritt