By Angela T. Koenig
Enquirer contributor

CHEVIOT - Running out of road salt is a worry in many area cities. In Cheviot the problem is compounded by the increased costs of keeping the roads clear.

"I just had to go back to City Council last week and ask for an additional $15,000 just for salt," said Steve Neal, safety service director.

The city has used more than 900 tons of salt and has another 500 tons on the way, Neal said. The city budgeted $20,000 for 400 tons to use in 2003, he said.

"So far, I've spent about $35,000 and that's not counting what's on order," Neal said.

Nor does it take into consideration the overtime hours put in by the maintenance workers who operate the salt trucks and plows.

"Some of them are close to 70 overtime hours in the last two weeks," said Jim Frazier with the maintenance department. The city has been running nearly continuous four-man crews, in 12-hour shifts, he said, and had to get help from other departments to keep the shifts operating.