Arlington County’s $1 million snow removal budget was exceeded during this past weekend’s snow storm. Although exact figures are not available, the impending 16 to 26 inches of snow is guaranteed to push the budget further into the red.
Other local government are also feeling the pinch from this winter’s back-to-back-to-back storms. VDOT and DDOT are well over-budget, WTOP reported this week.
Arlington’s snow removal budget took a hit last year during a round of budget cuts. The Department of Environmental Services had to shed one of its snow crews — six employees — during 2009. Despite the cuts, spokesperson Myllisa Kennedy says the department is ready to face whatever mother nature throws their way.
“The county will continue to fight snow and provide quality services to the community,” Kennedy said via email. “Employees continue to work in 12-hour shifts around the clock during storms to keep our roads safe.”
She added: “Residents are asked to do their part – clear sidewalks, clear snow from cars before driving, shovel snow into yards, [and] stay off roads in bad weather.”