Challenges Illinois Communities Face in Securing Road Salt

Winter’s arrival is months away, yet many Illinois communities are already actively preparing to stockpile road salt for the upcoming snowy season. A growing concern has emerged over the difficulties municipalities are experiencing in sourcing road salt through the Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS). CMS administers a statewide program for joint salt procurement, where local governments register to participate, specifying their tonnage needs. CMS consolidates these requests and offers the contract for bidding. Salt vendors then bid to fulfill the supply, allowing municipalities to purchase at the bid rate under the joint agreement.

This process has faced setbacks, with more than 250 communities receiving no bids for the 2026-27 season. These communities now face the choice of either relying on state emergency bids or seeking alternative solutions. CMS indicated in a recent communication that emergency allocations could lead to higher costs, making no promises of a last-minute resolution. CMS spokesperson Cynthia Johnson explained via email that each year, CMS secures road salt for numerous locations statewide, ensuring communities have essential winter safety materials. Unfortunately, a major supplier abstained from participating, causing supply disruptions for several locations. Nonetheless, CMS is actively pursuing vendors for affected areas to guarantee dependable salt access for safe roadways.

Some communities are not waiting for state solutions, opting to secure their own supplies. Mount Prospect Village Manager Michael Cassady mentioned their team proactively contacted suppliers to meet their requirements. Mount Prospect, one of the nearly 250 communities left without state bids, identified a source in Midwest Salt based in West Chicago. They agreed on a cost not exceeding $562,950 for 5,000 tons of salt, translating to $112.59 per ton, significantly higher than last year’s $68.35 per ton via state bid.

Other communities facing similar challenges include Arlington Heights, Palatine, and Buffalo Grove. Due to last year’s mild winter, Arlington Heights has stockpiled salt and isn’t immediately concerned, joining a joint municipal bid with Palatine and Elk Grove Village. Palatine’s Public Works Director Matt Barry noted the village benefited from the mild winter, stockpiling more than half of its typical seasonal salt requirement. Buffalo Grove plans to explore alternative salt purchases and doesn’t foresee a shortage impacting operations.

Some communities received CMS bid confirmations for salt supplies. Barrington partnered with Lake County and is not experiencing a salt shortage. Rolling Meadows secured a contract with Morton Salt, delivering the requested 1,200 tons. The city’s Assistant Manager, Glen Cole, anticipates using less salt this year, with a forecast of lighter snowfall.

Naperville obtained 3,000 tons through the CMS bid and another 4,000 tons from an emergency procurement with Midwest Salt. They are part of the state’s emergency procurement for an additional 5,000 tons. However, costs are rising substantially, as highlighted by Naperville’s communications director, Linda LaCloche, noting prices increasing from last year’s $70 per ton to over $140 per ton.

The Illinois Tollway expects to have sufficient salt supplies through CMS procurement, also pursuing independent procurement options. Aurora employs a comprehensive approach, utilizing multiple procurement avenues. Aurora’s Director of Public Works, Jason Bauer, stated that the city contracted Compass Minerals through a competitive bid in spring and acquired more salt via DuPage County’s joint bid, ensuring no anticipated shortages.

Mark Fowler, Executive Director of the Northwest Municipal Conference, recalled similar instances from five to ten years ago when the state’s bid process faltered. Municipalities then turned to emergency supplies or directly affiliated with salt mines. While Fowler hopes stockpiles and mild winters will mitigate issues, he sees this situation as temporary rather than an emerging trend.