Salt Shortage

Salt supplies around the Midwest have been a concern for most of the 2025-2026 winter season. Small but frequent snow events–along with multiple freezing rains–have resulted in municipalities, counties, and private contractors using much more salt than usual–certainly more than in the recent past with its milder winters. The supply issue is mostly due to large salt suppliers not being able to bring enough material to the ports along Lake Michigan earlier in the year and the logistical challenges of getting it there, now, in winter. 

While most counties and cities have enough supply to get through this winter, there are no reserves and the prices have doubled–or even tripled–in some cases. The City of Merrill will have salt for the rest of winter; however, we will be adjusting our operations to conserve as much salt as possible in order to reserve it for when it’s most needed and to shield the taxpayers from overspending on overpriced salt. These amended operations will include using a sand/salt mixture on the main roads that would normally get treated with straight salt. This will result in some snow covered streets, even after our plowing operations are done, instead of the bare pavement you may be accustomed to. 

Public safety will still remain our top priority when it comes to winter road maintenance; however, the City realizes that it needs to balance this with keeping costs in check. Our crews will strive to keep the roads clear while realizing the economic concerns. 

Please reach out to Street Superintendent Dustin Bonack with any questions or concerns. He can be reached at (715) 536-4222 or Streets@ci.merrill.wi.us