Because of the warm winter, many North American cities spent far less than budgeted on snow removal during the 2015-16 winter.
Sadly, many politicians are rubbing their hands in glee: "Oh good, we have more money! What should we spend it on?"
And sadly many voters are putting forth pet projects for their consideration.
My recommendation to all city works departments and city councils:
- Pay down the debt, or
- Build up the reserves.
This has been an abnormally warm and low-snowfall winter. Prepare for and save for winters to come when there will be more snow. Don't spend now to try to buy more votes from various interest groups.
The savings this year are not "free money". They are savings that have been fortuitous. There will be other years when there will be greater demands on the local fisc.
And if you don't like my options above,
- Cut taxes. Let taxpayers decide what to do with their own money and the savings.