Greenwich RTM Approves Over $1 Million Request To Cover Snow Removal Costs After Active Winter Season

GREENWICH, CT — On the heels of one of the more active winters in recent years, the Greenwich Representative Town Meeting on Monday night approved $1.325 million to cover costs incurred during snow removal operations.

The RTM voted 181 in favor, one opposed, with one abstention.
RTM Public Works Committee Chair Cheryl Moss said Greenwich typically sees 35 inches of snow per year, but this past winter brought about 70 inches.

The storms mostly fell on weekends and holidays, requiring overnight hours from DPW and Fleet Department staff, some of whom worked around the clock to clear roadways.

"The prolonged freezing temperatures meant the snow did not melt naturally, requiring snow to be trucked to Tod's Point and Holly Hill," Moss explained. "The request includes funds to replenish the salt stocks which were depleted, and for personnel who were on hand to repair trucks and snow removal equipment."

The additional funds have already been spent from other accounts that were not yet needed, such as spring paving, Moss noted.

"This appropriation will allow those operations to continue as planned. DPW waited until April to make this request to avoid having to make two interim requests in the event of a late storm," Moss said.

RTM Budget Overview Committee Chair James Waters said the funding request is intended to fully cover anticipated needs through the end of the current fiscal year. He also said that, according to DPW Commissioner Jim Michel, the interim appropriation will be supported through existing funds, primarily to restore depleted line items rather than introducing new spending.

Monday's RTM meeting was in session for roughly 33 minutes, one of the shortest meetings of all time. RTM Chair Alexis Voulgaris noted the July 20, 2022, meeting clocked in at 23 minutes.

The next RTM meeting on May 11 is expected to be lengthy, as the town's legislative body is set to review and act on the proposed 2026-2027 town budget