Thunderstorms, some heavy during the morning hours, then skies turning partly cloudy during the afternoon. High around 85F. Winds SSE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 100%. 1 to 2 inches of rain expected..
Tonight
A few clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 68F. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph.
Q: What has snow removal cost the city and county?
A: Manhattan and Riley County workers have put in more effort to clear roads and public areas this winter after multiple snow and ice storms.
So far, the city’s public works and parks and recreation departments have spent about $330,000 and 6,700 hours this winter removing snow and treating roads, sidewalks and parking lots for 10 events since Nov. 18, according to Vivienne Uccello, spokeswoman for the city of Manhattan.
That’s about $95,000 more than last winter, which cost almost $235,000.
The expenses include costs for hours worked, fuel used and the salt and calcium chloride spread.
Uccello said in an email that Manhattan has received 30.24 inches of snow and ice this season when it typically sees about 17 inches annually. Uccello said ice storms and weekend events are more costly because they require more salt treatment and overtime hours.
“Each year, the city budgets for snow and ice events, taking salt, fuel, staffing, and vehicle and equipment maintenance costs into consideration,” Uccello said. “This season has already been extreme, and the city will likely have to find ways to absorb the additional costs incurred.”
The Manhattan Parks and Recreation staff also helps the city clear snow from certain public areas, putting in more than 1,400 hours of work, which has cost about $33,000.
“We have had a busy season, to say the least,” Casey Smithson, parks superintendent, said in a statement. “Our team has at least 15 staff members working in each snow event. We work as safely and quickly as possible to make our areas safe for citizens.”
Riley County Public Works has spent almost $364,000 and 4,000 hours for 13 events starting Nov. 8. That’s an increase of about $155,000 and 1,500 hours from the 2017-18 winter season.
This year, the county has spent around $151,000 on labor, about $109,000 on equipment and almost $104,000 on materials.
County workers also used about 2,100 tons of salt and 10,600 gallons of calcium chloride to treat asphalt.
To submit a question, send by email to questions@themercury.com, or by regular mail to Questions, P.O. Box 787 Manhattan, KS 66505.
