CHICAGO (AP) -- The same year that brought "snowmaggedon" across much of Illinois is ending with a whimper, weather-wise.

Temperatures are above normal, there's been more rain than snow -- and public works directors couldn't be happier.

The mild weather has been a boon for cash-strapped cities that have hardly touched their salt supplies or snow-removal budgets.

Chicago has spent about $500,000 for snow removal this December, compared with $6 million last year.

And Rockford public works Director Tim Hanson has a $400,000 budget surplus.

Despite dire predictions about this winter, meteorologists say it's been about 6 degrees warmer on average for much of Illinois. And there's been hardly any measurable snow.

But snow-dependent businesses are hurting. Ski Snowstar Winter Sports Park in Andalusia has lost 25 percent of its revenue so far.