Coplay Borough Council President and chairman of the public works committee Lou Bodish has been watching the borough's budget drained by the winter weather.

"Our storm-related costs are escalating at an alarming rate," he told The Press in a weekend interview.

Bodish said salt usage has tripled from last year's 60 tons, to 200 tons this winter. The cost for salt is currently at $10,500 compared to last winter's $5,800.

The borough has had a difficult time finding outside sources for road salt this year. While salt supplies typically come through international salt companies, the borough has turned to Horwith Freightliner of Northampton for extra salt. However, Horwith has been out of salt due to a high demand.

In addition to salt costs, there are also fuel, maintenance and repair costs associated with keeping borough streets safe during stormy weather.

The Coplay fleet lost a small dump truck during the last storm due to heavy usage for snow removal, which adds to the equipment repair cost of over $85,000.

The borough, which has not used any outside contractors thus far, made use of all available equipment during the storms, which included one large dump truck, one small dump truck, and two pickup trucks and a backhoe.

The Whitehall-Coplay sewer authority allowed the borough to use one of its trucks for the last major storm on Valentine's Day.

Compared to last year's 72 hours of overtime dedicated to snow removal, the six-man crew has had 260 hours of overtime so far this year.

"I would like to say what a great job our employees are doing plowing and removing snow on this record-breaking season,"Bodish said. "They face difficult times, and it seems everyone likes to take their frustrations out on them. Unfortunately, no projects, including snow removal, go the way we would like it to go."

Bodish listed equipment breakdowns and low salt reserves as hinderences to getting the job done.

There may be a price to pay later this year, as Coplay funds run low.

"Hopefully costs will level out and we won't be forced with layoffs later in the year due to budget restraints," he said. "This is something no one wants to see. The borough, like any household, simply cannot spend money it doesn't have."

A measure of patience from residents is appreciated.

"For the most part, our residents understand the overwhelming task a large storm presents for us and cooperate with our efforts," he said.

Bodish stated how important it is to have cooperation from the residents when a snow emergency is declared.

"Cars must be moved to allow plowing curb to curb, and to remove the snow once the whole town has been opened up, including alleys," he said. "Cars are ticketed by our police officers, and as a last resort they will be towed by the owner's expense."

Borough police have issued 29 tickets this winter.

When a snow emergency is declared, a message will be on both coplayborough. org and WFMZ.com. Signs are also posted on streets throughout the borough.