The winter has been expensive for Lansford.

Since January, a total of $46,366.40 has been racked up in expenses, said Councilwoman Rose MaryCannon.And this doesn't even include the wear and tear on one of the plows to the extent that it needs to be replaced.In a report to council, Cannon said the costs since Jan. 1 are $1,013.62 in overtime wages, over $10,000 for salt and cinders, and $28,629 to Radocha Brothers for plowing and hauling snow.She had no comparison figures on what winter maintenance cost in other years or how it will impact the budget.Cannon said these expenses come from the Liquid Fuels Fund.Regarding the plow, Councilman Joseph Butrie suggested that the borough sell two trucks which are no longer being used to pay for it.They are 1987 and 1988 model vehicles.Councilman Tommy Vadyak said he'll advertise the trucks in TNT Magazine. Bids will be opened May 2.Councilwoman Mary Soberick opposed the sale. The vote passed 5-1 with President Martin Ditsky absent.The council also agreed to advertise for two part-time maintenance employees to be used when needed. One will require having a CDL license.Applications will be received until April 4.Vadyak was upset that a 2008 dump truck with a rear-end problem was taken "out of town" for repairs without council being informed.He said he doesn't know exactly what the repairs cost except it was over the amount needed to receive bids.He said he doesn't even know where the truck was taken to be fixed."This was all done very secretive," Vadyak reported, but didn't specify who authorized the repairs."They use the excuse it was an emergency. It was no emergency."Vadyak was also unhappy about a decree given for the police department by Mayor James Romankow.According to Vadyak, the order was that during a snowstorm, the police had to remain inside the station and keep the cruisers off the road except for responding to a call.The mayor said this was to avoid having the cruisers damaged.He said a Ford Explorer was in the garage during the last snowstorm and the borough had just one cruiser operable.He said when police come on duty during a storm, "they circle around town."They make another circle of the town several hours later."Should we lay-off police during a snow storm?" asked Vadyak sarcastically."Police officers know hanky-panky goes off when it snows. All the nuts come out."Soberick, who was serving as president in the absence of Ditsky, said she understands the logic of Romankow's order, but feels such an order isn't necessary.She said the police know their job the best "and if they know they have to be out there, they want to be there.""They do know what they're supposed to do," she added.