Fulton County saw a significant uptick in the costs tied to winter road maintenance this past season, according to a report reviewed Tuesday by the county commissioners. The 2024-25 snow and ice control summary revealed a 79 percent increase in expenses over the previous year.
The total cost of keeping roads clear during the 2023-24 winter came in at $235,225. This year, that figure jumped to $421,118.
The sharp rise was accompanied by a notable increase in labor hours, which climbed from 1,372 to 2,552, and a slight uptick in salt usage, which grew from 911 tons to 972 tons. Despite the overall rise in spending, the price per ton of salt dropped slightly, from $57.32 to $52.73.
Road crews were called out on 29 separate occasions during the winter season. The first operation took place on December 3, and the final response occurred on February 21.
Of those 29 days, four were in December, 13 were in January, and 12 were in February. The report shows steady growth in winter maintenance needs since the 2020-21 season.
In other action, the board approved an agreement with the Ohio Soybean Council for reimbursement of up to $10,000. The funds will help cover the cost of soy-based asphalt sealant recently applied to a portion of County Road H in Delta, between County Road 8-1 and County Road 7-2.
The treated stretch spans approximately 90,000 square feet, measuring 22 feet in width and more than 4,000 feet in length. The road had been resurfaced just last year.
The commissioners also moved forward with an agreement for a countywide pavement marking initiative. The contract, awarded to Oglesby Construction, is valued at $102,975.60.
Fulton County will contribute $53,371.28 toward the project, with several townships and municipalities covering the remainder.
With nothing further, the meeting was adjourned.