Jackson Township officials announced that the decision to use the Township’s own Department of Public Works (DPW) employees, rather than outside contractors, during the first two major winter storms of 2026 saved taxpayers more than $714,000.

According to the Township, DPW crews logged a combined 1,824.75 hours clearing roads during the January and February storms. The work cost approximately $289,352 using municipal employees, compared with an estimated $1,003,612.50 had outside contractors been hired—a reported savings of $714,260.50.

Mayor Jennifer Kuhn credited the Township’s DPW workforce for their dedication and professionalism, saying the decision to rely on municipal employees not only kept roads safe but also protected taxpayer dollars.

Township officials said the results demonstrate that investing in and utilizing Jackson’s own workforce can provide reliable public services while reducing costs, leaving hundreds of thousands of dollars in the municipal budget.