Monroe hurries to fix its only snowplow

Published 11:21 pm Friday, January 2, 2009

MONROE — Public works officials are working on a solution to fix what could be a big problem if another snowstorm hits.

After an estimated 40 years of service, the city’s workhorse snowplow broke earlier this week.

The steel frame of the plow broke while an employee cleared snow-clogged streets, said Jakeh Roberts, the utility manager for the city.

“It’s old and it finally gave way,” he said.

City employees immediately began shopping for a replacement blade, which they purchased and expected to be delivered Wednesday afternoon, he said.

The 10-foot blade, made by American Plow, cost $8,851, Roberts said. The city used a state bulk purchasing program to buy the plow, which satisfies bidding requirements.

The vehicle is so old the city will likely have to spend extra to retrofit the new blade. Roberts didn’t know how long it would take for the plow to be on the road.

The breakdown came at a horrendous time for the city, which has slashed its 2009 budget and laid off employees. This year’s $63 million budget is $3.3 million less than last year’s.

The city maintains an emergency fund for public works equipment and the money for the new blade was drawn from there, said Mayor Donnetta Walser.

“This is an emergency,” she said. “We don’t have a choice.”

The city tries to plan ahead for major equipment purchases, she said.

“It’s not what we had planned to buy at this time, but with the weather what it is, and the fact our snowplow can’t be repaired, we really have little choice.”

If another snowstorm does hit before the plow is repaired, the city has two pickup trucks fitted with blades. The city also uses backhoes to help remove snow.

“We’re going to respond with full force,” Roberts said. “That’s just one plow — but, admittedly, it’s an important one.”

Reporter Debra Smith: 425-339-3197 or dsmith@heraldnet.com.