Casper hired contractors to help with snow removal

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (Wyoming News Now) - The people of Casper have had quite the hole to dig themselves out of -- literally.

City snow removal crews are working 24-hour shifts, while six different private contracting companies are all working 12-hour rotations. This, in an effort to clear snow from arterial streets and neighborhoods following this week’s record-breaking blizzard.

City crews, including Streets, Public Utilities and Solid Waste, have been working round the clock on 12-hour shifts since Monday, April 3. Five private contracting companies began working 12-hour shifts Wednesday, and a sixth was added yesterday. Each firm has experience working with the city.

Though most snow removal doesn’t typically include residential streets due to lack of manpower, contractors will be performing snow removal in neighborhoods across Casper.

“This storm has been incredibly disruptive. We know that many citizens still can’t safely navigate their neighborhoods, and that’s why we’re bringing in outside help,” Public Services Director, Andrew Beamer, said.

The city has already exceeded its fiscal year 2023 snow removal fuel budget by $80,000 and snow removal overtime by $30,000. The cost of hiring contractors will depend on how long they end up working for the city. For reference, Casper paid $140,000 to private contractors following the March 2021 snowstorm.

“Of course, we didn’t budget for a record-breaking blizzard, so like other cost overruns, we’ll be looking for funding sources and making a recommendation to Council for a budget amendment,” Beamer said.