Some salt for Tuscarawas County is secured for the winter, but officials are concerned over the cost and when they can pick up it up.
Engineer Doug Bachman says they typically send out a bid through the Ohio Department of Transportation but after several attempts, his office submitted an independent bid, which came back at $162 per ton.
Bachman says ODOT was able to secure salt and offered it at $92 per ton.
“But we have to go pick it up about 70 miles away. Last year we paid $62 per ton, and it was delivered to us, so it’s going to be a considerable cost increase for us.”
Bachman’s concerns include the salt not being available until January.
“For the beginning of winter, we are going to be conserving salt. We’re still going to be out plowing and putting salt down but we’re going a lot more judicious with it is the plan. I know last year snow started early. I’m hoping that’s not the case but if it does, we’re going to do the best we can.”
He notes they are looking into joining a purchasing group consortium of neighboring counties, but they need to get approval.
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