A jump in rock salt prices is causing Macomb and Oakland counties to try new strategies that they hope will allow them to clear icy roads this winter without breaking the bank.

The Detroit Free Press reports that both counties have paid between 30 and 66 percent more this year for rock salt compared to 2008. One of the ways they're coping is by planning to use pre-wet salt, which is more efficient than dry salt because it's better at sticking to roads

Macomb County has spent nearly $250,000 for new equipment to help spread pre-wet salt on its roads, as well as dry salt and salty water that can help keep snow from accumulating. County officials believe the equipment will help Macomb reduce its salt use by 30 percent compared to older salting equipment.

Meanwhile, Oakland County plans to cut back on the amount of salt it uses by half. The county has adjusted its trucks to spread 400 pounds of salt for every mile of two-lane road, compared to 800 pounds used in previous years

It remains to be seen whether their salt-saving strategies will save any money, since it depends on how heavy the snowfall is this winter, according to the Freep.