Statement from the Allen County Board of Commissioners on Snow Removal Service:
(October 20, 2011) — The following statement was issued today by the Allen County Board of Commissioners:
Yesterday, Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry and his re-election campaign made comments which suggested snow removal service in Allen County had been “cut” as a result of a reduction in the Highway Department’s budget in 2008.
The Board of Commissioners wishes to state for the record that at no time has the removal of snow or ice from County highways been cut, eliminated or reduced in priority as a result of any loss of funding.
In 2007, Allen County realized the loss of millions of dollars in County Economic Development Income Tax (CEDIT) funds when portions of Aboite Township were annexed into the City of Fort Wayne. The loss of those funds necessitated a reduction in the Highway Department’s overall budget and the loss of 19 positions. Rather than cut snow removal service, the Highway Depart-ment went about finding ways to do more with less. Highway engineers were trained to double as snow plow operators. Additionally, the department looked for greater snow and ice control efficiencies, such as adding calcium chloride dispensers to many of the plow trucks to treat roads as quickly as possible.
The Highway Department is already at work preparing for the coming winter season, checking all equipment such as trucks, spreaders and plows, discussing safety procedures with drivers, and meeting with Sheriff?s Department staff and school district officials to review procedures.
It has been and will continue to be the goal of the Allen County Board of Commissioners and the ACHD to maintain open roadways during winter weather and to keep County roads clear enough that vehicles can travel as safely as conditions allow.”
Related Images:
