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Salt prices soar: Cities scramble for winter supplies
15 Sep
Summary
- Municipalities paid more for salt after state bids failed.
- Aurora faces an $68,125 increase for its independent salt purchase.
- Over 250 municipalities were affected by the failed state salt bids.
Winter preparations are underway for state and local crews, but securing essential salt supplies has become more expensive. Aurora, a city that typically ensures its salt domes are full, sought to fill its largest dome by joining a state bidding process. This process, intended to secure favorable pricing for over 250 municipalities, unexpectedly received no bids from salt providers.
As a result, cities like Aurora had to choose between sourcing salt independently or relying on the state for emergency procurement. Aurora opted for an independent contract, which led to a price increase. They are paying $85.20 per ton, a notable rise from the $74.30 per ton they would have paid through the county process, amounting to an extra $68,125 for the same quantity.
State officials reported that 165 municipalities also pursued independent purchasing, while 94 remained with the state, for which a seller has reportedly been found. Aurora's leadership is working to finalize its remaining salt purchases soon and has scheduled salt training for its crews to begin this week.
