Borough Highway Department continues with snow removal despite vehicle issues

The borough highway department is continuing snow removal operations in the borough with crews working on Cedar Street this morning.

The department is facing setbacks after three vehicles experienced problems due to the demands of the operation. The recent snowstorm "took its toll on three pieces of equipment," Highway Department Manager Jake Graham said at the February 3rd Columbia Borough Work Session. 

One vehicle, a 2005 Freightliner dump truck, suffered transmission failure. A replacement transmission will cost $14,000, while a replacement vehicle of the same type will run $250,000, Graham said. The borough paid $75,000 for the truck 16 years ago.

In addition, the department is currently down two employees.