An average snowstorm costs the department around $20-$25,000. Money that has rarely been needed the past couple of winters.
However department officials say that can change very quickly in January and February, and with Gov. Doyle's promise to keep all the plows on the road this year, that may cause financial problems this summer.
"The DOT's gonna deal with the fact that we've upped the level of service above what they felt they could afford without really a plan on what we're going to do come spring," said Glen Speich, Marathon County Highway Department.
Speich says the department may have to lay people off this summer if too much is spent during the winter months.
