Traverse City -- Budget cuts and a hike in salt prices could make it tougher for motorists to travel on northwest Michigan's icy roads this winter.
County road commissions winced at a 22-percent increase in salt prices this year, and crews will have to ration the snow-melting mineral. Salt jumped to $59 per ton this year, as opposed to $48 per ton last year.
"It makes you question what these salt mines are actually doing," said Mary Gillis, Grand Traverse County Road Commission manager.
Gillis said the commission already warehoused 18,000 tons of salt, and more could be on the way. The commission runs a fleet of 50 plows that scatter salt and sand to clear roads.
Benzie County's Road Commission purchased its salt supplies in March, but didn't learn of the higher rate until September. The increase amounted to an extra $50,000 expense, said Bob Weaver, who manages Benzie's road commission.
"Nobody expected this," he said.
Benzie residents won't see as much weekend plowing activity, the result of cost-cutting efforts. Overtime pay also will be avoided, Weaver said.
"This year, you're going to see a difference," Weaver said. "We're not going to be out as much."
Grand Traverse County officials hired more seasonal employees this year, an attempt to veer away from permanent staff. The move will reduce expenses, but also could affect the quality of plowing.
"You're going to see less experience out there," Gillis said. "That could affect efficiency and timeliness."
County road commissions also must deal with declining revenue streams from the Michigan Department of Transportation.
Gillis said the Grand Traverse County Road ommission received $70,000 less in MDOT revenue this month compared to last year.
"Our revenues have been going down for five years in a row," Gillis said. "We budgeted for a 4 percent decrease. Next year, we're budgeting for a 5 percent decrease."
Michigan hasn't had an increase in transportation funding since 1997, said Monica Ware, County Road Association of Michigan spokeswoman.
"A lot of agencies have implemented programs to use salt only on curves, hills and intersections -- areas that are more prone to slide-offs," Ware said.
Ware attributed the MDOT revenue shortage to a decrease in fuel taxes and vehicle registration fees.
