It may be the middle of summer, but Sullivan County officials are warning residents to prepare for potentially slower snow removal on roads this winter as the county faces what could be a significant shortage of snowplow drivers.

County Communications Director Dan Hust said the Department of Public Works expects to be short between 10 and 15 drivers unless additional qualified applicants are hired before the winter season.

The shortage stems from a combination of retirements and employees leaving for other jobs, creating what officials say is an unprecedented staffing challenge.

“This is a gap that we’ve never faced before,” Hust said, adding that Public Works Commissioner Ed McAndrew does not believe the county will be able to fully close the gap before winter without more applicants holding commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs).

The department typically operates with about 40 snowplow drivers. This winter, county officials estimate staffing could fall to between 25 and 30 drivers.

As a result, snowplow routes may need to be lengthened from roughly two-hour circuits to four-hour circuits, meaning roads could go longer between plowing during snowstorms.

“The roads will be plowed, but it may take significantly longer for them to see a plow truck coming through,” Hust said.

Officials emphasized that no county roads will be left unplowed, but residents should expect longer wait times, particularly during heavy snowfall.

The county is continuing to recruit drivers, but Hust said only one qualified candidate has been identified so far. He said the county’s wages are competitive with other municipalities, though some drivers may be able to earn more in the private sector.

County officials are also seeking assistance from the New York State Department of Transportation. Hust said the state has indicated it may be able to assume responsibility for some routes, though its crews must first prioritize state highways.

Over the years, the county and state have shared plowing responsibilities on some roadways through intergovernmental agreements. Hust said officials expect to have a clearer picture of staffing levels by September or October, when a new agreement with the state could be finalized.

In addition to roadway plowing, the county is evaluating how to maintain other facilities, including the parking lots at SUNY Sullivan. Hust said the county may ask the Town of Fallsburg to assist with snow removal there.

With the possibility of longer response times, county officials are encouraging residents to prepare their vehicles for winter travel.

“It’s going to be an issue that probably will just require people’s patience,” Hust said, advising motorists to ensure they have snow tires or all-wheel or four-wheel drive if conditions warrant.

Image Credit: Sullivan County Department of Public Works