LITH Looks to State to Cover Blizzard Costs

Lake in the Hills is requesting state disaster funds to help cover costs incurred during a massive blizzard that hit the area earlier this month.

Gerald Sagona, village administrator, said the village is seeking around $14,400 from the state to cover overtime for snowplowing operations and $13,400 for salt. The village would also request funds for other miscellaneous equipment and fuel costs, Sagona said.

State funds are being made available to municipalities because Gov. Patrick Quinn designated disaster areas those portions of the state hit by the severe winter storm, according to documents released by Curtis Caldwell, manager of mitigation and infrastructure section of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency in Springfield.

Sagona commended the village's Public Works Department, whom he said are made up of unsung heroes who worked around the clock under hectic and strenuous conditions.

Fred Mullard, public works director for LITH, said the village’s yearly budget for salt is $113,500. He said the village has enough salt in storage to last the rest of the winter season. The village has gone through about half of its salt supply.