Sioux Falls City Preparing For Snow Budget Cuts

by Krystle Kacner
July 27, 2010


Sioux Falls Mayor Mike Huether is asking his department heads to make cuts...and those responsible for the city's snow removal are now following suit.
A lot of money goes into keeping the streets safe during winter months, and managers are working to use less money to get the same results.
   
It’s warm and sunny now, but the city of Sioux Falls is already preparing for the snow.

"When the first snow comes down in November or December, we'll be ready to go with it,” said Galynn Huber, the Street Utility Manager for Sioux Falls.

Galynn Huber and his street and utilities employees are making an investment in snow gates. Two have been ordered, and will be tested this winter.
Mayor Huether has prepared for this in the proposed 2011 budget. But on top of this addition, he's asking for budget cuts.

"A huge portion of my budget is snow removal and if we can do something better and save tax payers money that’s great,” Huber said.

Some big changes: hiring fewer seasonal staff and applying the anti-icing chemicals less.
Instead of preemptively layering them on every secondary street, they plan to only apply them where and when needed...when streets become too slippery or unsafe for residents to drive on.

"We took a look at things we can do different and not compromise any safety and still provide the service,” said Huber.

For now, Huber and his crew will continue to inspect the trucks and gear this summer even though it won't be used until the snow falls.

Huether is making more staffing changes.
He will announce additional reorganization of city managers tomorrow. The mayor has made several changes since he took office. The latest happened on July 15th when he moved Kevin Smith to assistant director of planning and building services.
Huether also made cuts back in June, including the appointments of three city directors and a new city attorney.