Despite a thin layer of white blanketing the city on Sunday, Edmonton’s snow budget is in good shape.

The two centimetres were essentially gone when Bob Dunford, director of roadway maintenance, addressed the media Monday morning.

“We saved $7 million in January, usually a very significant snowfall month,” he said. “And February, it’s been very favourable.”

The first official tally will come at the end of March ‘ and winter returns later this year.

But for some, this news is as welcome as the warm weather.

“It’s really a blessing because last time I checked, we were still in a deficit position,” said Coun. Kerry Diotte, referring to last year’s $30-million plunge into the red due to record snowfalls.

City council approved a new snow policy last summer, and also increased the budget to just over $47 million for 2012.