Snow removal services reduced

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Snow removal services in East Lansing were reduced because of a steady decrease in tax revenue, the city announced Tuesday.

Currently, snow removal starts when there are 3 or more inches of snow on the ground. Previously, services started when there were 2 or more inches of snow, said Todd Sneathen, East Lansing Director of Public Works.

There will be no overtime, night and holiday snow removal unless conditions are deemed hazardous and require immediate action, he said.

Sneathen said although residents were not formally notified when the change began in December, the issue was discussed at City Council meetings and within the Department of Public Works.

The announcement was made Tuesday because of resident complaints received by city officials.

Mary Veltema, an East Lansing resident, said she noticed the change when snow fell last weekend, but her street was not plowed until Monday.
She said that she is not concerned about the safety of residents and knows that cuts must be made.

“I totally understand it and I’m assuming that they will plow to keep us safe,” she said.

Sneathen said the changes are the result of steadily decreasing revenue from Act 51 money, which is generated by gas and weight taxes. The money from Act 51 is designated for maintenance and construction of all public streets.

In 2000, the city of East Lansing received $2.57 million in Act 51 funds, and is anticipating receiving $2.3 million this year, Sneathen said.

“As people drive less, less money is brought in through the state,” he said. “As cars become more fuel efficient, less money comes in.”

In addition to the budget reductions, prices of salt, asphalt and fuel have increased.

Sneathen said that the decrease in services will not put residents in danger.

“In terms of being safe to drive on from snow and ice, it’s not a concern,” he said.

Suchitra Webster, the chair of the Bailey Neighborhood Association in East Lansing, said she has no problem with the decision.

“I have not noticed a change,” she said. “They’ve done a pretty decent job with ice and snow removal.”

Driving conditions usually are determined by reports from the police department about weather-induced accidents and bad driving conditions, Sneathen said.

Webster said that as long as the city is aware of driving conditions, she feels there is no reason to worry about safety.

“The city is in a real state of fiscal distress,” she said. “They’ve been really decent about going around and trying to solicit ideas from neighborhoods about the best ways to trim the budget.”

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