Snow storms strain budgets in NJ

Clearing the roads from all the snow we’ve been getting this winter is stressing local budgets in New Jersey.

The costs are still being added up, but New Jersey Department of Transportation spokesman Tim Greeley says indications are the 10.3 million dollars budgeted for snow removal this fiscal year has already been spent.

“Certainly safety is our highest priority and we work throughout the storm despite whatever the costs may be to ensure that the roads remain clear,” Greeley says. “Then at the end of the end of the season we work with the Treasurer’s office to figure out where that money comes from.”

Local governments are also feeling the strain. State League of Municipalities President Chuck Chiarello says the big expense of clearing streets makes it difficult for cities and towns to stay within the new two percent cap on property tax increases.