The City of Prince George was at least $300,000 over budget for snow control costs in 2024, according to a report attached to the agenda for the Monday, Feb. 24 council meeting.
A report on snow control prepared by city staff shows the approved snow control budget and the actual money spent on snow control for each year from 2019 through 2024.
Those figures show that in four of the last six years, Prince George’s snow control costs were over budget.
In 2019, the city budgeted $8.5 million and spent $9,855,763 on snow control, $1,355,763 over budget.
The city again budgeted $8.5 million in 2020 and spent $10,522,130, which was $2,022,130 over budget.
The budget was raised to $10 million in 2021, but actual expenditures came in at $7,707,770. That was $2,292,230 under budget.
The 2022 budget was also $10 million and spending was $9,290,365, $709,635 under budget.
The 2023 budget was cut slightly to $9.8 million and actual expenses were $10,772,443. That was $972,443 over budget.
The 2024 budget was raised to $10.3 million.
During budget deliberations this January, it was estimated that 2024 costs were around $10.1 million. Council voted during those meetings to lower the 2025 budget to $10 million.
However, staff’s report issued after budget talks now pegs the “2024 to date” snow control costs at $10.6 million, $300,000 over budget.
During those budget meetings, Coun. Kyle Sampson proposed a successful motion asking to have the snow control policy reviewed at an upcoming council meeting. That discussion is taking place at the Feb. 24 meeting.
The council meeting starts at 6 p.m. Monday on the second floor of Prince George City Hall at 1100 Patricia Blvd. Meetings can be attended in person or watched online at princegeorge.ca.
