Jackson Township officials announced that the decision to use the Township’s own Department of Public Works (DPW) employees, rather than outside contractors, during the first two major winter storms of 2026 saved taxpayers more than $714,000.
According to the Township, DPW crews logged a combined 1,824.75 hours clearing roads during the January and February storms. The work cost approximately $289,352 using municipal employees, compared with an estimated $1,003,612.50 had outside contractors been hired—a reported savings of $714,260.50.
Mayor Jennifer Kuhn credited the Township’s DPW workforce for their dedication and professionalism, saying the decision to rely on municipal employees not only kept roads safe but also protected taxpayer dollars.
Township officials said the results demonstrate that investing in and utilizing Jackson’s own workforce can provide reliable public services while reducing costs, leaving hundreds of thousands of dollars in the municipal budget.
Lakewood should learn from Jackson. Years ago DPW workers used to do it before calling contractors, nowadays contractors are there before the regular workers and they don’t do a good job. Yes they help but they don’t do a great job like the DPW workers from Lakewood but I guess it’s another way to waste tax payers money.
You don’t seem to know Lakewood geography and history. About five years ago, there was a big storm, and it took about three days for Lakewood to be fully cleared. Turned out, there hadn’t been a big storm for a few years, and this one ended at night – meaning the crews had to be up all night, and some were older already and it was hard for them to do that. And in general, there weren’t enough plows. Also, while some towns don’t mind 2-3 days off from work, we function differently – we want everything open right away, so we can go to daven, school work, simchos etc. So, they started getting contracted plows. The big trucks and tractors do the initial work, then pickup trucks do the fine tuning. Works like a charm. By the two big storms this winter, most roads were opened within a few hours of the storm’s end, and within another few hours, all roads were open. TY to all who helped!!