The lack of white on the ground is keeping red ink off the ledgers of local cities and towns.

Municipal officials report that they have spent their snow-removal budgets, but have not incurred the huge deficits that typified pervious years because there has been so little snow this winter.

The situation should help local officials prepare town and city budget for next year as they will not have to dip into reserves or take funds from tax collections to pay off snow-plowing debts from this year.

Read the complete story in Monday's Sun Chronicle.