El PASO COUNTY - Plow crews are working across El Paso County, especially in the north and eastern areas hit hardest by this storm.  But El Paso County plow crews will be getting some assistance in certain areas this winter. 

That assistance will come from private snow removal companies.  It's actually a test program in the Cimarron Hills area for the 2009 to 2010 snow season.  It might be a way to save some county dollars.  "We're always looking for new ways to wave taxpayers money and provide necessary services," says Jim Bensberg, El Paso County Commissioner. 

Services, like snow removal, which is a costly priority for El Paso County.  "Instead of the county having to buy trucks and plows and equipment and maintenance yards and fleet maintenance mechanics and so forth, that would be up to the private contractors to supply." 

The county is requiring specific guidelines for the private firms that'll place bids. Requirements include 24-hour availability and a minimum number of trucks and backups.  With private contractors competing for the work, Bensberg says it'll lower costs. 

He says the county's not sure how much savings yet, but says all county snow removal could go the way of private contractors if this winter's test goes well.  "Now every dollar counts and so if we can save a dollar on snow removal," Bensberg says, "perhaps we can use that somewhere else to maintain roads and highways." 

Bensberg says the county chose Cimarron Hills because it's close to the county fleet headquarters and crews can check out contractors' work.  Click here for more information on the bidding process.