In the last few weeks, salt prices in Michigan have more than doubled and aren’t showing signs of going down any time soon.

For the companies that salt roads, driveways and parking lots, this means they might not be able to keep the ice away at the price they have in the past.

This recent price hike will start affecting publicly-owned space in Addison immediately.

“Salt went from like $70 a ton to $140 a ton (almost) overnight,” township Supervisor Bruce Pearson said. “I made some phone calls and municipalities are having difficulties getting salt, if they can get it at all. We discussed other things like sand, but that won’t work. It just clogs up the drain areas.”

Addison  officials voted unanimously at the Nov. 19 meeting in favor of an amendment that, for the time being, allows the township to allocate more money toward the salting of township-owned parking lots, like the parking lot of the township hall.

Right now, the amendment allows for a $45 increase per visit paid to Calvin Sutherby, who performs the service, whenever the  parking lots and sidewalks are salted.

Should prices go back down, the amendment allows the township to begin allocating less money toward salting. If prices go even higher, the township board will have to vote on a new amendment.

“If the (price of) salt does go back down, I’d like the fees to revert back to the original quote,” Pearson said.