In an effort to save the City and residents money, the Staples Public Works Commission and City Council desires to notify everyone in Staples of a street lighting change that will occur very shortly. B e ginning Monday, May 3 , the City of StaplesElect crew will be expanding the Street Light Re d u ction Pilot Program to the entire City of Staples. Street lights will be disconnected from active service that are not lighting an intersection or alleyway.

Please be aware that all disconnected street lights will be marked with a vinyl utility ribbon toward the top of the street light. Street lights on major roadways such as TH10 and CSAH roadways will remain in service.

The Street Light Reduction Program is part of an effort of the City Council to maintain a balanced city budget. The Council is seeking to reduce expenditures in reaction to notifications that budgeted Certified State Aid payments will be reduced in 2010.

At this time, the Governor and Minnesota Legislature have provided ranges of aid reduction amounts, and the Council is preparing to react. The Governor’s February budget proposal outlined a $147,958 cut to Local Government Aid. The City budget for street lighting totals $102,000.

In addition to street lighting changes, the Council is considering reworking some of our rentals, leases and part time Park and Rec staff schedules, delaying street overlays, eliminating exterior housing maintenance inspections in 2010, reducing Fire Department training and other city services to prepare for reductions in these State Revenues that are used to offset local property taxes.

If residents are aware of conditions or situations in their neighborhoods where a potential disconnect to a street light may pose a safety concern, they should call City Hall 894- 2550 and request that the light not be disconnected.

This program will be reviewed in full by the City Council in March, 2011.