WORCESTER, Mass. - There's no plowable snow in Worcester’s forecast yet, but city councilors will vote on recommendations to increase the pay rate of private contractors for snow and ice operations.

Interim DPW Commissioner Robert Moylan said this winter is going to be a challenge for the city because a warm fall led to fewer contractors to apply to drive plows.

Moylan said about 90% of their equipment comes from private contractors.

"It's very, very hard work,” said Moylan. “It’s demanding work. It’s demanding on the plow operators and it’s demanding on the equipment. And if you have winters where there isn’t an excessive snowfall, their return on their investment can be very lean. And consequently, many are making the decision that it's not worth it."

Moylan said the rate increase would allow the city to remain competitive with other communities in what's becoming a smaller pool of contractors and important winter equipment.

The city is also offering bonuses for contractors.