City Council Questions $350000 Monthly Streetlight Payments

In a recent government meeting, city officials discussed significant expenditures related to street lighting and the need for improved transparency regarding utility payments. The council revealed that the city pays approximately $353,754.42 monthly to Entergy for street lighting services, which raises concerns among council members about the effectiveness and coverage of these services.

Councilman Stokes questioned the justification for such a high monthly bill, noting that many street lights in various wards are non-functional, particularly along Highway 80. He emphasized the need for clarity on which street lights the city is paying for and whether the payments correspond to operational lights. In response, officials acknowledged that they receive a list of street lights and traffic lights included in the service but agreed to pursue a more efficient process for addressing outages.

Councilman Foote further requested a detailed statement outlining the deliverables from Entergy, including whether the monthly fee covers maintenance of traffic lights, which have also been problematic. The mayor confirmed that Entergy only provides power to traffic lights and does not handle their maintenance, indicating a gap in service that needs addressing.

Additionally, the council discussed the importance of understanding the city’s financial standing, with members expressing a desire for updated fund balances. The president of the council noted ongoing challenges with the auditing process, which has delayed the availability of accurate financial information. The council is pushing for timely audits to ensure they have a clear picture of the city’s finances.

The meeting concluded with a unanimous vote on payroll and the adoption of the Department of Revenue's uniform assessment schedule for vehicle taxes for the upcoming year, highlighting the council's commitment to fiscal responsibility and transparency in municipal operations.