When Manitowoc County announced this summer that it could no longer provide snow‑plow services to its smallest municipalities, local leaders quickly moved to protect their residents. The Villages of St. Nazianz and Whitelaw and the Town of Manitowoc have now each signed contracts with private contractors to ensure roadways will be cleared when winter arrives.
County decision prompts local action
County officials cited staffing shortages and competing responsibilities as the reason for ending the plow program for the three small communities. “It was a little bit of a shock, but not something that was totally out of the question,” said Town of Manitowoc Chairman Jeffrey Blahnik.
New agreements in place
St. Nazianz officials had been negotiating with a neighboring community for months. A deal with the Town of Liberty was approved in August, allowing St. Nazianz to rely on that arrangement for snow removal.
Whitelaw and the Town of Manitowoc opened the job to competitive bidding. After several months of reviewing proposals, each municipality selected a different private company to handle its winter road work.
Continuity for drivers, better benefits
Blahnik noted that the driver who will now plow the south side of the Town of Manitowoc is the same individual who previously worked for the county. “He went into the private sector for more money and better benefits for his family,” Blahnik explained, underscoring the community’s commitment to supporting local workers.
Changes to de‑icing methods
Whitelaw Clerk Sheena Kocourek said the new contractors will use plain salt rather than the county’s sand‑brine mixture. “Some residents didn’t care for the sand, so this will be a little bit different and likely more appreciated,” she added. Kocourek also mentioned that the contractor plans to keep a truck stationed in the village for a faster response when storms hit.
Cost remains comparable
Both Whitelaw and the Town of Manitowoc reported that the price of the new private contracts is comparable to what they were paying the county, meaning taxpayers will not see a significant increase in their bills.
Looking ahead
With contracts signed and crews ready, the three municipalities now await the first snowfall of the season. Residents can feel reassured that local roadways will be cleared promptly, thanks to proactive leadership and private‑sector partnerships that keep families safe and mobility uninterrupted.
These actions reflect the resilient spirit of Manitowoc County’s small towns, demonstrating how community‑focused decision‑making can effectively address challenges without burdening taxpayers.
Original reporting: FOX 11 WLUK Green Bay (local) — read the source article.
