The mild winter could result in a significant cost savings for the city of Akron.

Deputy Service Director John Valle says the amount of road salt used lower for the winter, but not necessarily for the fiscal year, which ends December 31st.  That means that the lower amounts of salt and overtime paid during the beginning of the winter are attached to the 2011 books, which recorded very heavy snow activity at the start of the year.

Less salt and overtime costs January through March are welcomed but could be balanced by soaring costs in November and December.  There is no way to predict.

Either way, Valle says he's happy to spend less money now.

"We've got them patching potholes, clearing trees and debris and right-of-ways, roadway improvements, installing guardrails," said Valle.

Valle says drivers are probably noticing fewer potholes, too.  There are a couple of reasons.  First, since crews haven't had to worry much about snow and ice, they've been able to keep up with the potholes as they surface.  Second, there wasn't as much freezing and thawing, which causes potholes to develop.