As Winter Storm Pax finally leaves the area, West Easton residents continue to dig themselves out, but not only has the accumulated snow this year put a strain on everyone’s back, it’s undoubtedly putting a strain on our borough budget.
Nobody anticipated that the 2013-2014 winter would be one of the worst on record and West Easton isn’t alone in underestimating snow removal costs.
Easton, Bethlehem, and Allentown have all reported that the increased number of snow events this winter have exceeded their planned expenditures. I’m not aware of any community in Northampton County that set aside enough money in their budget to meet the cost of cleaning up after these snows and Spring doesn’t officially arrive for over a month.
Another snow event is due tonight as a clipper moves through with a predicted 1″-4″ possible. It will likely require plowing and salt application, adding to the problem.
Our only saving grace may be the $165,000 that was budgeted in anticipation of instituting our own police force.
After the rave review by Mayor Gross at the last council meeting of the State Police protection, and his mentioning that “one item” in achieving our own police protection was very expensive (he didn’t specify what that item was), it is growing more apparent that our own police force is not going to happen in 2014, as possible dates of implementing our own protection were mentioned as “April, May, or June.”
I’m doubtful any of those months will see a West Easton Police Department come into existence.
My personal feeling is that some of that $165,000 will have to be diverted to the cost of snow removal if West Easton doesn’t want to place another tax increase on residents.
It seems that is the only money available that can be tapped into, in order to pay wages, fuel, and salt costs incurred and those that are surely to come before this Nordic Hell of a winter finally ends.
Considering how pleased Mayor Gross is with the State Police and their issuing of tickets to residents there seems to be a lack of the urgency that once existed in creating an in-house police force, though he did say he hasn’t given up on it.
One can only hope that we don’t sit a year on dead money and it’s put to use.
Either for its intended use, or where it is needed.
Disclaimer: On January 4, 2016, the owner of WestEastonPA.com began serving on the West Easton Council following an election. Postings and all content found on this website are the opinions of Matthew A. Dees and may not necessarily represent the opinion of the governing body for The Borough of West Easton.
