With winter control maintenance services deficits noted over the past five years, city council supported a recommendation that will see the five-year average expenditure be used to set future annual budgets.

That process will start with the 2026 budget, to be deliberated by city council in December.

Based on the cost of winter control over the past five years, the operating portion of the budget will increase $945,617, directly impacting the operating budget.

Last season’s winter control costs were $2.1 million over budget. It’s anticipated a reserve fund of about $880,000 will be used to reduce that deficit, ultimately depleting the reserve.

Over the past five years, the average deficit averages to about $916,000 per year, a report to council states.

“There has been no transfer to th

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