How much public works? It’s predictable that there’s snow, so you have equipment. Sometimes there’s more do you prepare for more. But it’s expensive equipment that needs to be purchased, maintained, stored and operated. Most of that expense is year round but you see benefits only a few times per year. Do you invest enough money year round to cover a once a year storm? A once every ten years storm? What about a 100 year storm? We have had those recently but that’s a lot of equipment
Meanwhile these shovelers aren’t on payroll most of the year, have no special equipment, don’t need maintenance, etc. I d expect they’d quickly become cheaper
I’m saying the public benefit of hiring a bunch of temp snow-shovelers is a cash-flow positive for the city because it allows business (and related tax revenue) to continue.
How much public works? It’s predictable that there’s snow, so you have equipment. Sometimes there’s more do you prepare for more. But it’s expensive equipment that needs to be purchased, maintained, stored and operated. Most of that expense is year round but you see benefits only a few times per year. Do you invest enough money year round to cover a once a year storm? A once every ten years storm? What about a 100 year storm? We have had those recently but that’s a lot of equipment
Meanwhile these shovelers aren’t on payroll most of the year, have no special equipment, don’t need maintenance, etc. I d expect they’d quickly become cheaper
I think you’re agreeing with me.
I’m saying the public benefit of hiring a bunch of temp snow-shovelers is a cash-flow positive for the city because it allows business (and related tax revenue) to continue.
Yep