Whose Plow is it Anyway? - From the Desk of Legislator Keith Schiebel

As a Central New York resident, winter consistently brings one common denominator we all share – snow! For those of us who rely on our own vehicles for transportation to work, school, the doctor’s office or errands around town, clearing snow away from vehicles and driveways becomes a vital survival task, especially when faced with snowfalls of several inches to feet of snow.

     Whether we live in our own homes or rent from others, we all face a similar decision as to how to attack winter’s white precipitation.  For some, it may be investing a few bucks in a snowbrush and shovel, while others spend considerably more money on snow blowers or even plow trucks.  Still some people simply contract others, be it a neighborhood youth or professional plow service, to handle the white stuff, the headaches, and the backaches.  And to assist with ice and assure safe footing on walkways, driveways, and stairways, many of us spread a little rock salt to melt away winter’s nemesis.

     When dealing with snow, our local village, city, and town municipalities face much the same decisions, but obviously on a much greater scale.  Those decisions are made by the various municipal highway departments or department of public works and their respective highway supervisors, commissioners, or superintendents.  These individuals are responsible for purchasing equipment, stockpiling supplies such as sand, salt, and fuel, and hiring a work crew to perform the snow removal services.  During plowing and snow removal, it is up to these appointed or elected officials to oversee all aspects of the snow removal operation including timing, plow routes, crew schedules, and equipment upkeep and maintenance to name just a few critical tasks. In addition to town roads, many County roads and State highways crisscross our towns and connect the cities and villages.

     In order to effectively remove snow from County roads, Oneida County often contracts with the towns and villages to plow and salt many of the County roads within their respective townships.  Likewise, some towns contract with villages to perform snow removal services.  These contracts are often mutually beneficial in that it may be easier for towns to incorporate county or village roads into their plow routes while being compensated by the receiving municipality.  Similarly, New York State contracts with Oneida County to plow and maintain more than 400 miles of state-owned roads; Oneida County operates some 28 vehicles that plow and salt roads.

    Last year, Oneida County DPW initiated a GPS tracking system for all residents to be able to see when and where roads are being cleared and salted by County vehicles.  The GPS tracking system helps residents with travel plans during inclement winter weather.  The GPS map can be accessed at: Oneida County's Coverage Map | Samsara

     As a final reminder of winter safety, if you are fortunate enough to receive municipal water, don’t forget to remove snow from fire hydrants in front of your residence.  So next time you’re driving and see an oncoming snowplow, take an extra moment to slow down, yield to the plow truck, and know that, regardless of whose truck it is, a network of professionals are working on your behalf to keep our roads clear of snow and ice and safe for your travels.  Enjoy the rest of the winter, spring will be here soon.