GUILFORD, CT — The Guilford Board of Selectmen last week voted to approve nearly $100,000 for the purchase of 1,300 tons of salt for use this winter.
Guilford Public Works Director David Castro went before the selectmen last week to ask for the funding. He noted that the cost of salt has increased, with the price currently at $64.40 per ton for straight salt, and $99.85 for treated salt.
Castro estimated that the town will go through around 900 tons of straight salt this year, and 400 tons of treated salt, which equals $97,900.
When asked about how many weather events the salt would be good for, Castro said it was hard to predict because each storm is different in terms of intensity and timing.
Salt-dispensing trucks are calibrated each year, Castro noted. During the first winter storm event in Guilford this season, the town should have used around 250 tons of salt for the entire town, but because of the truck calibration, only 125 tons were used.
“We’re being really responsible with our salt usage,” Castro said.
Castro had budgeted $129,000 for salt, so the town could always purchase more if need be.
The salt is stored locally in Guilford in a shed operated by public works.
After a couple of snow and ice events and frigid temperatures recently, the forecast looks warmer in Guilford, with some rain over the next week or so, according to the National Weather Service.
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