Lack of snow saves municipalities, taxpayers money  | News

COLONIE - If it weren't for the winter coats and trees with no leaves, you probably wouldn't guess that it's actually February at The Crossings in Colonie.

Great for them because it's not cold for a February day. Compare that with five years ago when a Valentine's Day storm buried the Capital Region in snow measurable in feet.

Saturday, there was no snow on the ground -- and no sign that a big storm was coming. So the kids took the playground like it's already Spring time. Diane and Robert Allen brought their friends and grandkids out for fresh air.

"We're starting the season early. Tulips should be blooming soon. The kids are out of school early. So this is perfect," said Albany resident Seema Rivera.

Aside from pure enjoyment for some, the unusually warm weather has also been good for local municipalities. Their salt and plow trucks have had very little use so far this entire winter.

"It's been good in some respects. A warm winter means we're not using as many materials," said Diane Allen, a Colonie resident.

Albany County buys salt from the New York State Department of Transportation.

Albany County Executive Spokeswoman Mary Rozak said it's all done in advance with a contract.

"We're still obligated to pay a certain amount this year. that's about 850-thousand-dollars of what our budget is," Rozak said.

But Rozak said the savings will happen in the long run because some of the excess materials can be used the following year.

The County also saves on overtime -- but Rozak said a little less since they restructured the department of public works.

Rozak pointed out all this talk about savings may be premature.

"Remember Dan, March is still ahead. March happens to be one of our snowiest months on record. so, I don't know what Bob Kovachick, said Rozak.