Belgium aims to standardize snow removal costs

Those who don’t clear snow from their sidewalks in a timely fashion in the Village of Belgium won’t be charged differing amounts anymore, if a Finance and Personnel Committee’s proposal is approved.

The committee last week agreed that when village workers clear sidewalks, property owners will be charged $200 per job.

Village ordinance calls for snow and ice to be cleared from sidewalks within 24 hours after it stops snowing. Areas to be cleared must be at least four feet wide.

If the village did the job, it kept a record of its costs and charged the property owner accordingly.

The committee wants to charge $200 for each job, regardless of the cost to the village. A new ordinance would have to be drafted to make the change.