The town of Rimbey has dumped more than $72,000 into snow removal since January, surpassing the $60,000 which was budgeted by over $12,000.
From January to April of last year, the town spent only $3,685 on snow removal, in part, no doubt, to the fact not nearly as much snow fell during that time frame.
However, acting CAO Melissa Beebe said this is the first year the town has removed the snow in the residential areas.
“Before it was just bladed off to the side,” she said.
Removing the snow is more costly, but it does reduce the level of potholes, thereby cutting down on repair costs. It also makes the roads more accessible.
The town has used contractors to help with snow removal in the past, but in 2013/14 contractors were required more often due to the large amount of snowfall.
This year, council also purchased a snowblower and snow blade for $110,335. The equipment has a life expectancy of 20-25 years.
Council is looking for input from the public regarding this year’s snow removal and have published a survey in the Rimbey Review and also on-line with six questions pertaining to snow removal.
“We would like to have citizens respond so we know if they were happy with the service level,” said Mayor Rick Pankiw. “We did have an unbelievable amount of snow.”