So Long, Snow; Hello, Snow Removal Savings

The weather folks have been warning not to pack away the winter coats and other gear just yet, but unless that includes snow shovels, the city of Urbandale is on track to turn back some of its snow removal budget.

City officials budgeted $112,500 for overtime snow removal pay and compensatory time, but only spent $89,321, the Des Moines Register reported.

Public Works Director David McKay called the expenditure typical. Snow removal crews put in about 2,156 hours clearing and treating streets.

But back to that forecast: The National Weather Service in Des Moines says rain – but no snow – is on the horizon after temperatures today and tomorrow in the 60s.

State climatologist Harry Hilaker told the newspaper that winter weather may not be gone from the state for good.

“We can’t rule out any more storms,” HIlaker said, “but nothing is on the horizon just yet.”