VALPARAISO | The county is among the local governments to come up empty-handed in this year's search for road salt.

The county did not receive a single bid this year, Assistant Highway Superintendent David James said.

Yet he is not entirely buying into the explanation that the lack of competitive bids is the result of shortages caused by severe weather across the country.

James said he called around to a few companies this week and found that salt is available.

"They're trying to break the bidding process," he said. "They say, we don't need you, you need us."

With rising fuel prices, James said he understands why the companies would not want to be locked into a price to deliver salt during the winter months.

The city of Fort Wayne secured a good price for salt, but had to accept the full amount all at once. The county does not have enough storage space to accept its entire 2,500-ton order.

The county has its three domes filled with salt, which can cover two to three storms, James said.

The Highway Department also has the option of mixing calcium chloride with sand, though it does not melt ice as well as salt.

Other local governments without bids for road salt include Kouts and Valparaiso.