ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) -- A new amendment passed by Rockford City Council could impact local snow plow companies.

City Public Works leaders are trying to help the city save money this year by passing an amendment that gives city snow plow drivers permission to help their subcontractors when possible.

Leaders say they spend around $50,000 on subcontracting every time there is a snow storm. Rockford sees an average of six storms a year.

City snow plows take care of the main and side streets, but they subcontract several private snow plow companies to clear residential areas.

Public Works Director Mark Stockman says this process was already mostly in place, but this amendment puts it in writing.

"I do not intend, in any way, to lower the level of service to the public. It will not take any longer for them to get their streets plowed than it does now. I can't reiterate that enough," said Stockman.

Stockman says that city snow plows will only help when it is feasible for them to help, during normal business hours once city plows have finished on main and side streets.

Subcontractors will still be needed on weekends and when city plows are too busy.

The amendment hopes to save the city a total of $250,000 a year. City leaders say this is one small step to solving the city's $10 million budget deficit.