Winter wallops Kentville’s snow clearance budget

The prolonged winter weather is taking a toll on Kentville’s snow removal budget.

A staff report filed by Debra Crowell, Kentville’s finance director, indicates that the snow clearance costs were $28,901 over budget as of mid-March.

That number, Crowell added, did not include the costs of cleanups required on March 18 and the weekend of March 14-15.

“This winter began late in the season with the first major snowfall arriving at the end of January. Over the past two months, we’ve experienced major snowfall after major snowfall,” Crowell’s report states.

In hopes of refraining from recording an operating deficit, Crowell recommended town council consider potentially withdrawing up to $50,000 from Kentville’s operating reserve to offset the snow removal expenses that are not accounted for in the current budget.

“This withdrawal will only occur if the town is looking at a year-end deficit position,” Crowell said.

Council unanimously agreed port Crowell’s recommendation.

Mayor David Corkum said it’s possible they’ll need more than that if the snow continues to fall for much longer.

“It is what it is,” said Corkum. “The guys did a great job. We had to get rid of it.”

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