Posted Wednesday February 22, 2012 --- 4:00 p.m.

At the end of 2011 the city's Streets Department put about $300,000 back in to the general fund. Unless Thursday's winter weather turns severe the city could have even more left over cash going in to next winter.

The winter of 2007 and 2008 was one of the roughest in recent history. Not only did the city plow 14 times but it also used close to 18,000 tons of salt. That's a far cry from this year's 5,800 tons.

But the savings don't stop there. They've also been able to save on contracts. When ever there's a major snow fall the city contracts with private plows to help clear the streets.

So far this year they've had to plow four times. They've only had to use contractor's twice. That's saved the city almost $400,000 dollars.

This year the city was also planning on experimenting with beet juice. They purchased about 5,000 gallons of it and so far they haven't used any.

The mild winter has freed up a lot of workers for the city as well. Brush collection continues and crews have been able to spend more time in the garage fixing equipment.

The city has also been able to get their street sweepers out on the roads earlier. Interim Streets Superintendent Chris Kelley says, " The city's never looked so clean. "

Tomorrow's snow is already proving to be fairly convenient for the city.
Right now the watch issued by the National Weather Service runs from tomorrow morning to tomorrow evening.

Kelley says that's a good thing because the bulk of the snow should come during regular business hours. So the city won't have to pay drivers for over time.