The town of Normal has used roughly half as much road salt this winter compared to last winter, according to Normal Public Works Director Wayne Aldrich. (WJBC file photo)

By Joe Ragusa

NORMAL – Snowfall in Normal hasn't been nearly as bad this winter compared to last winter, so Normal town officials say they're in good shape for next winter.

"There (weren't) big snow events, but they still require substantial amounts of salt," Public Works Director Wayne Aldrich said. "Not anywhere near as bad as last year."

Normal has received 5,000 tons of salt the past two years, but Aldrich said they're looking for a new contract this year, and they could ask for less depending on how much is left in reserves. Aldrich said the town has used about half as much road salt this year compared to last year.

The Illinois Department of Transportation negotiates the price with suppliers and then passes that price down to interested municipalities in the Spring. Aldrich said if the town went on the open market themselves to look for road salt, they would likely pay a higher price.

Joe Ragusa can be reached at [email protected].