Naperville Faces Soaring Road Salt Costs Amid State Procurement Issues
Naperville, Illinois, is grappling with significantly higher costs for road salt for the upcoming winter season, despite having sufficient quantities in storage. Public Works Director Dan Randolph reported that the city has approximately 10,000 tons of salt in reserve after using only 7,400 tons last winter. However, the city's request for 9,000 tons through the state procurement process resulted in only 3,000 tons being allocated. This shortfall, coupled with a large salt supplier opting out of the state bidding process, has forced Naperville to seek alternative vendors. The city anticipates paying nearly twice as much per ton as it did last year, with prices for state-procured salt estimated at $144 per ton, compared to $69 last year. Additionally, Naperville is purchasing 4,000 tons from a third-party vendor, Midwest Salt, at approximately $113.50 per ton. The state is reportedly working on an emergency salt procurement to assist affected communities. 
