December 4, 2023 |City of Lynn, City Services, News, Winter storms

City Looking to Add Snow Plow Contractors

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With winter storms imminent, the Lynn DPW continues to take steps to ensure it has an adequate amount of snow plows and equipment to clear the white stuff – whenever it starts falling.

After increasing the rate of pay for snow plow drivers last year, the City has again increased pay for certain vehicles, including 15-17 percent for standard 4×4 pickup trucks and 23 percent for a 4-wheel-drive backhoe.

The goal, according to DPW Commissioner Andy Hall, is to have 250 pieces of equipment under contract in addition to the 47 pieces the DPW owns to cover the 28 routes that have been set up. Last year, the City had 76 contractors and just under 200 pieces, as many contractors use multiple vehicles.

“We’re ahead of where we were last year at this time,” Hall said of the ongoing efforts to line up plow drivers. “The reality is some of the drivers just show up when the first storm hits, but we have made a concerted effort the last few years to try to get as many under contract in advance as possible.”

This year, the hourly rate for a standard pickup truck will range from $105 (17-percent increase) to $115 per hour (15-percent increase), depending on the vehicle’s maximum weight capacity. The rate for a backhoe increased from $130 to $160 per hour (23 percent).

When it comes to the City delivering services residents depend on, snow plowing is near the top of the list.

“It’s something that we pay attention to throughout the year. We know that how much snow we get is out of our control, so we have to be prepared for any scenario.”

Mayor Jared C. Nicholson

The City requires every plow vehicle to have a portable GPS unit engaged while working  for the City.

“That allows us to know immediately if a particular street has been plowed yet, if we get a call from a resident,” Hall said. “If it hasn’t, we will dispatch a truck as soon as possible.”

Having the sufficient amount of drivers and equipment allows the City to complete the plowing in a timely manner.

“Not having enough equipment delays the work, which can be frustrating for residents and the DPW,” Hall said. “We want to have the streets clear as soon as possible.”

The DPW is accepting applications from drivers, who can apply on the DPW page of the City web site – lynnma.gov – or at City Hall in the Personnel Department.

The above press release was submitted to us by Mayor Nicholson’s office.