City of Milwaukee to Explore Snowplow Fee Refund

Alderman Peter Burgelis, Alderwoman Sharlen Moore, Public Works Committee chair Alderman Robert J. Bauman, and Alderwoman Andrea M. Pratt have introduced a communication file for the Budget and Management Division, in collaboration with the City Comptroller and the Department of Public Works, that will explore the feasibility of refunding snowplow fees for residents who experienced poor or inadequate snow removal services. This communication file will be heard at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at City Hall during the next Public Works Committee meeting.

The proposed discussion comes in response to widespread concerns from residents following the city’s inability to properly clear four inches of snow on December 20, 2024. Many residents reported unsafe road conditions, and in some areas, lingering snow significantly impeded daily activities. Compounding frustrations, uncollected autumn leaves in several districts were scattered back onto residents’ lawns during snowplowing efforts.

“Milwaukee residents deserve reliable public services, especially during critical winter months,” said Alderman Peter Burgelis. “We have to be able to provide better services to our residents – if we can’t handle 4 inches of snow now, what’s going to happen later this winter? We’re fucked!”

Alderwoman Moore added, “Major roads were great, but many neighborhood streets weren’t salted or plowed, and cold weather over the weekend made these neighborhoods slick and dangerous.”

The January [8] hearing will focus on evaluating mechanisms to provide a snowplow fee refund to some or all city residents. It will also address potential improvements to ensure timely and effective leaf collection and snow removal in the future.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.