Despite a lot of snow this winter, Highway Surveyor Barry Denham said the town’s snow and ice removal fund has only exceeded the budget by about $2,000.

By law, municipalities are allowed to exceed this budget to maintain public safety.

Denham said the difference in snowfall is only four inches between last winter and this winter.

“The big difference is we had the one storm which accounted for $18,000 out of the snow budget,” said Denham of the February 2013 blizzard.

Last year, expenditures went $14,000 over the snow fund. This year, the reduction is, in part, due to the elimination of reliance on rental equipment.

Denham said the town is low on salt and sand, but more salt is coming.

“I’m confident that we’ll have enough material to make it thought the end of the season,” he said.

Denham also had a request for Selectmen. He called it a “kick in the pants” that plow drivers who work three consecutive shifts are only paid overtime for working during the night shift. Denham suggested paying employees overtime from the end of the first regular work day until they finish plowing.

“It only happens about once or twice a winter,” said Denham. “We’re not talking huge dollars. It would be kind of a pat on the back to the guys to be able to stay on overtime until they’re released.”

Selectmen said they would discuss the matter and thanked the plow drivers for their hard work.