Area officials are finding themselves paying higher prices for road salt, as a shortage that began last year is continuing.
In some cases, municipalities have paid upward of $100 per ton for salt. Only Clark County was able to secure salt at previous prices — typically around $55 per ton.
Clarksville paid $125 per ton and Street Department Commissioner Donnie Hansford said, “it was like pulling teeth to get it.”
Clarksville has between 500 and 600 tons left over from last year and has ordered an additional 700 tons for this season.
He noted that there were limits in place as to how much a municipality could purchase.
“I’ve had other commissioners call me from around the state, they’re having the same problem I am,” he said.
Next door, in Jeffersonville, about 400 tons of salt remain from last winter.
The Jeffersonville Street Department put out a bid to buy 1,500 tons more but was told it would only be sold 500, said Larry Thomas, the city’s communications director.
“It looks like the shortage of road salt we had last year is continuing,” he said.
Additionally, Thomas said, the price has increased for them as well. Last year, the city paid about $55 per ton. This year, it’s closer to $70 per ton.
Although, he said, he’s heard of municipalities paying much higher rates.
Sellersburg paid about the same amount as Jeffersonville, said Ken Alexander, director of the town’s Municipal Works Department.
The town was only allowed to purchase 120 tons, as much as they bought last year, he said.
Alexander said that order has been made, but he’s continuing to look for other sources.
He was unable to say how many tons the town had in stock, but said it was enough for now.
Clark County seems to have the largest supply of salt.
It has about 1,300 tons on hand and another 1,400 on order, said county highway director Hyun Lee.
He’d seen prices near $140 per ton, but was able to find a supplier selling for $55 per ton when the department took bids last May.
In a given year, the county uses between 1,000 and 2,000 tons of salt, depending on snowfall.
“We feel pretty safe based on past experience,” Lee said.
Charlestown officials could not be reached for comment on this story.
Clark County
Road salt supply may run low
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Appeals court hears Covered Bridge case
The Indiana Court of Appeals heard the respective oral arguments on the town of Sellersburg’s effort to annex the Covered Bridge Subdivision and the Willows on Wednesday. Covered Bridge appealed the trial court’s ruling that the town’s annexation preceded the subdivision’s effort to incorporate into an independent town and that, in exchange for sewer service, the residents would agree to not remonstrate against the annexation attempt.
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Redistricting on tap again for Jeffersonville
Though they just did so last year, it’s already time for the Jeffersonville City Council to start thinking about redistricting again.
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JEFF Fest set for June 9
The Jeffersonville Entire Family Fun Festival, better known as JEFF Fest, will
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be held from 11 a.m.. to 4 p.m. June 9 in Jeffersonville’s Preservation Park, 150 W. Market St. -
Charlestown encourages Realtors and developers to help it grow
he city hosted a showcase for about 200 developers and Realtors at Charlestown High School on Tuesday. The purpose of the showcase was to pitch the city as a place that is expected to prosper, especially in light of the continued development at River Ridge Commerce Center.
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Jeffersonville mayor vetoes two council acts
“It’s a meaningless resolution. It carries no weight. I think it’s political posturing and I’d as soon not be a part of it,” Moore said. “I will not be brought into a political discussion that’s already been decided.”
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Bridges project specifics emerging
Valentine outlined that incentives will be part of Kentucky’s contract with the winning bidder.
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He explained that once construction begins, the expected cost of construction per day will total about $80,000 and the contractor can earn incentives for finishing early and penalties for finishing late. A completion date is set for June 30, 2018. - News and Tribune briefs for May 23, 2012
- May 22, 2012
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Gregg picks Simpson for Dems ticket
Gregg got his biggest applause from the crowd Tuesday when he played up their joint support for women’s access to health care, which has become a national talking point for Democrats.
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TARC OKs rate increases
Contrary to its monetary situation, the amount of people riding the public transit system has increased about 10 percent, Barker said.
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But the transportation service had not raised its fares, aside from express routes, in four years. -
Miss Clark County 2012 entrants sought
The contest is based on interview, evening gown and professional wear competition. Any Clark County young woman between the ages of 16 to 21 is eligible to participate.
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Appeals court hears Covered Bridge case
