As much as we all hate paying taxes, we may have to pay a little more next year to ensure the best snow removal for our city streets.
Last weekend's first major storm was followed closely on its heels by the second major storm of 2007-08 on Tuesday. Just as homeowners, businesspeople and city crews were getting the snow finally cleared Tuesday morning, another storm struck.
Wadena city crews have done a valiant job of trying to stay ahead of the snowflakes, but they're dealing with some unique challenges this season: they've been told by the council to keep overtime to a minimum. Since the crews don't have the luxury of scheduling storms with Mother Nature, they can only do so much to plan when their hands are partially tied.
And we don't blame city leaders, either. The public has been adamant that at a time of rising fuel and heating costs, more taxes aren't going to be welcome.
But if we're going to save money, we're going to have to all work a little harder to make up the difference. Take a look at some of the suggestions laid out by Public Works Director Ron Bucholz on page 1 of today's newspaper.
ADVERTISEMENT
We can all do a little more to accommodate city crews by moving our vehicles out of areas about to be plowed. We can also ease the calls to law enforcement (and protect our own pocketbooks) by heeding advice given out every year while driving in storms: don't go unless you have to, slow down, remember winter driving skills, and make sure you've cleared your vehicle of snow and ice before heading out.
Short of that, we may need to be willing to spend a little more to pay for the snow plow operators' overtime. It not only makes Wadena an easier city for visitors to park in (and spend money in), it makes it a safer place for us all.
