Snowy or Icy Winter Could Compound Tulsa’s Budget Problems

Emory Bryan, The News on 6

TULSA, OK -- When the snow starts falling, the city of Tulsa plans to have snow plow crews in position to start work, as usual, even though it's Christmas eve.

At city hall, the administration met today with employee unions to talk about cutbacks over at public works the talk was about putting people to work, tomorrow, on snow patrol.

The snow plows are gassed up and ready to go.

Salt and sand is piled high and the city plans to work through the snow storm, despite the city holiday and despite the budget crunch.

The News On 6 asked, "Has the city budget situation had any impact on what will happen tomorrow?"

Darren Stefanek, City of Tulsa, responded, "No, this is a safety situation. People have to be able to travel freely as possible on the roads so they can go shopping, go to work, whatever they have to do. This is one of those necessary things we have to do."

The city budget includes money to handle the usual four or five snowfalls each year. If the winter turns out to be mild, the money saved could go for other salary costs.

"I was hoping for a very warm, balmy winter that would be very nice," Stefanek said.

Tulsa has 37 snow plows and 58 spreaders. The city has 10,000 tons of salt and 146 employees available.

They'll spread salt over 35 routes, covering the equivalent of 425 miles of 4 lane roads.

Overtime will be paid because Thursday is a city holiday.

The snow plow drivers are on call because the city says timing is important for clearing out the snow.

"And the key is to get material on the ground before the snow starts sticking, so you have a barrier there so when it turns to ice it won't bond to the pavement," Stefanek said.

The city dealt with five snow and ice events last year.

Tomorrow will be the first one of this budget year and usually most are in January and February.