A new report from the Independent Budget Office (IBO) says the city has under-budgeted for snow removal by more than $300 million since 2003. 

The IBO claims that spending on snow removal is often much larger than the city plans to budget, and the report highlights shortfalls that were particularly large in 2011, 2014, and 2015.

In those years, snow accumulation in Central Park topped 50 inches and the city spent more than $110 million; However, when snowfall is lower, the city has seen savings, such as last winter when the cost of cleaning city snow was $55 million less than the budgeted amount. For this year, the city has budgeted $101 million, $11 million less than last winter.

In a statement, the city's Sanitation Department replied to the report saying, in part: "...the formula to determine the budget is set by the City Charter. It’s based on what was spent on prior years, and in essence, reflects fluctuating weather."

"As we move into the winter season," the statement continues, "the Department remains committed to keeping the streets open and passable, and our salt spreaders and snow plows will be ready all season long."