County OKs $106,060 for salt and calcium; highway superintendent to explore cooperative purchasing

The Steuben County Council approved a $106,060 appropriation from the Highway MVH fund on Feb. 12 to buy salt and calcium for winter road care.

Emmett Heller, Highway Department superintendent, requested the emergency appropriation and told council that while joint purchasing with the State or other counties could lower unit costs, the State has purchasing priority when demand exceeds supply and the county may not be guaranteed the quantity it needs. Heller said he had not completed a full analysis of potential savings from county cooperatives and is investigating fuel cooperative options as well.

Ken Shelton moved to approve the $106,060 appropriation; Jim Getz seconded and the motion carried 5‑0.

Why it matters: The purchase finances materials essential to winter road maintenance; council asked the highway superintendent to report back on whether cooperative purchasing could provide net savings once administrative and equipment costs are included.