Holmes commissioners discuss snow and ice removal

While the first sightings of snowfall may be many weeks away, the Holmes County commissioners had all eyes on preparing for winter in meeting with Nate Hochstetler of Copperleaf Group on Thursday, Aug. 29 — a nearly 90 F day — at the Old Jail in Millersburg to discuss the possibility of hiring Copperleaf as the county’s snow and ice removal company.

The biggest decision facing the commissioners in making their choice is whether to hire the work out to a contractor or take care of the snow removal themselves.

In recent years the county has hired out a contractor, opting to have Copperleaf perform those duties last year.

Prior to that, the county had used Grasshopper Properties as its resource, the company that was purchased by Copperleaf more than one year ago.

For the commissioners, the problem of snow removal isn’t the equipment because it has a truck.

“We have the equipment. We just don’t have the people,” commissioner Joe Miller said, noting it is a great deal of work during heavy snowfall.

The county’s snow-removal work includes up to eight sites including the Holmes County Prosecutor’s Office, license bureau, dog warden’s office, the new health building, and lots on the east side of Miller, Mast & Mason Law, behind the courthouse, on the east side and north side of the Clinton Street Building.

The quotes from Copperleaf for snow removal on the lots varied from $50-$65, except for the health building, which was $105. The cost for salting each of the lots ranged from $45-$70, with the health building listed at $115.

While Copperleaf also submitted quotes for clearing the sidewalks, the commissioners said the county will utilize the effort of county employee Bob Spurgeon, who has been clearing the sidewalks in the past.

Hochstetler said the presented quote for snow plowing was for snowfall up to 4 inches. Anything from 4-7 inches would see an increase of 40%, with even heavier snow requiring custom pricing.

Miller said the country will take the bid into consideration as it figures out the best approach for this winter. He did say the health building may or may not be part of the package, and each department in the county involved with the snow removal would share in the cost.

Misty Burns, Holmes County Health District board president, said she would have to go back and research the contract that was drawn up between the health district and the county as far as to whether it is the county or health district’s responsibility.

“I’m certain it was all laid out, but I don’t know exactly what was agreed upon,” Burns said.

She said the health district does have a handyman who will take care of the internal issues in the building, and if the commissioners don’t include the health district in the overall snow-removal package, then the health district will seek a contractor.

“Obviously, we wouldn’t have the equipment to do that ourselves,” Burns said.

The discussion would go on to center around Hochstetler’s questions about when each building is open to the public and other details. He also talked about his company’s focus when removing and salting lots, and the commissioners were pleased with his company’s efforts last winter.

Holmes County is coming off a 2023-24 winter season that saw very light snow, so the snow removal was minimal, although there was more salt application taking place with more light dustings.

Should the county experience a heavier snowfall this winter, the cost could be significantly more.

Hochstetler told the commissioners he appreciates them taking the opportunity to meet. The commissioners said they would continue to pursue all options, but they were pleased with both the presentation and proposal.

“We have money in the capital improvement fund,” Miller said of funds for the snow removal, noting they will make a decision sometime before the first snowfall.