An unconventionally dry winter saved the township money

Staff report

AUSTINTOWN

Officials say the unusually dry winter helped Austintown Township’s road department save money.

Mike Dockry, township administrator, said the past winter allowed the road department to save because of the lack of snow.

“We saved in salt and slag purchase costs and in labor overtime for snow and ice control, and now in labor overtime on the street sweeper. If the weather cooperates, we may finish street sweeping by the end of this week,” Dockry said. Exact figures are being calculated.

He said normally the goal is to have street sweeping finished by July 4.

The road department also saved in terms of equipment.

“You have less wear and tear on your trucks,” Dockry said.

“We only really had two storms where we had a significant amount of snow to plow. All the other times we just put down salt, no plowing.”

In other news, Todd Shaffer, park supervisor, said the splash pad will be open to the public at noon on May 27.

Trustee Jim Davis said trustees will meet at 4:30 p.m. May 9 to discuss the Fourth of July festivities.

“That’s your opportunity to come here and meet with us and join our organization, the Fourth of July Committee, to help us put on those events,” Davis said.

For those who want to be in the parade, contact Parade Chairman Chris Lewis 330-793-6460.