It cost the city of Bethlehem $300,000 to $500,000 to clear the almost 32 inches of snow that dropped on the region last month.
City Public Works Director Michael Alkhal is still tallying the total cost of the round-the-clock snow removal operation, which required the city to hire contractors, and the supplies it took.
The manpower costs clock in at about $300,000 and the supplies and gas may end up totaling another $200,000.
Alkhal updated Bethlehem City Council on the snow removal efforts Tuesday, noting that the warmer weather and rain forecast this week should take care of much of the snow.
The city budgets about $600,000 annually for snow removal. A typical "substantial winter storm" costs $50,000, Alkhal said.
Mayor Bob Donchez said that the total snowfall dropped on the region on the weekend of Jan. 23 is what the region typically receives over an entire winter.
Alkhal had hoped the mild winter meant the snow budget could be diverted to road repairs. There is a chance the state could reimburse the city for some of its snow removal costs.
Donchez praised the road crews for doing an outstanding job in difficult circumstances.
Alkhal acknowledged that a small number of alleyways were initially neglected but city crews did get to them. The city used front-end loaders and dump trucks to clear narrow streets.
Councilman Shawn Martell said it is a testament to the work of city crews that Bethlehem Area School District schools reopened after three days while other cities' schools remained closed.
Council President J. William Reynolds praised the city's response to the storm but pushed for even further public outreach and interaction in future winter storms.
Sara K. Satullo may be reached at ssatullo@lehighvalleylive.com.com. Follow her on Twitter @sarasatullo. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.