Wauwatosa running out of road salt

Wauwatosa has nearly used up its supply of road salt and the Public Works Department is asking for money to buy more.

A special Budget and Finance Committee will be held at 7:15 p.m. Tuesday to decide whether to use $51,000 from contingency funds to purchase an additional 1,000 tons of salt.

The city has already purchased and used 3,400 tons for more than 30 road-salting operations this winter. A few years ago, the city implemented a policy to reduce salt use on side streets, but there has been a large number of snowfalls.

The purchase contract allows Wauwatosa to buy another 1,000 tons that is being held in reserve, but it must be delivered by April, according to a memo from Bill Wehrley, interim public works director.

The additional salt would put the city in a good position for late-season storms or it could be saved for next winter, when road salt prices are expected to come in higher.

The expenditure would leave $176,000 in contingency.

The recommendation of the committee will go right to the Common Council for a final decision a 7:30 p.m. If approved, the salt could be delivered within days.