KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- This is one of the last things you expect to hear about in the middle of July, but the city is out of money for snow removal this coming winter.

The city's snow removal budget for next year is $1.2 million, but they bought $1.5 million worth of rock salt, so the budget is spent.

"I think that's unacceptable," said City Councilwoman Deb Hermann, the chairman of the Finance and Audit Committee.

KMBC's Micheal Mahoney reported that the city has two choices: Take the money out of the contingency fund or cut some other programs.

"There are a number of surprising things about this current budget. You ought to ask Deb Hermann about them. They are surprising to some, but not to me," Mayor Mark Funkhouser said.

"It would be my desire to make some changes in the other programs in the budget so that this basic service is provided," Hermann said.

Hermann and Funkhouser said they think the current budget was drawn up to make City Hall look good during the spring elections, rather than a budget that covers the basics, such as picking up the snow.