SIKESTON — An increase in the rental lighting rate from the Board of Municipal Utilities was tabled by the Sikeston City Council Monday after questions were raised about lighting in some parts of the City.
The new rates were being proposed by BMU after recently soliciting the help of a nationally known rates consultant to review all of BMU’s rates for accuracy and adequacy. While BMU’s rental light rates were a part of that review, at the time of the review they did not include a rate to cover LED lights. The BMU recently added the LED light data and developed the associated rates that were approved by the BMU Board.
Under the new rates, those who rent lights with or without poles will see their rate increase about a $1 a month. The last rate increase was in 1998.
Sikeston resident Mark Hensley voiced some concern about the increase, saying he and fellow residents pay for lights to help keep their neighborhood safer. However Hensley said he felt the city should help as well.
“I think there should be a common ground between the city and patrons,” Hensley said. “It’s not the sole responsibility of taxpayers to provide a safe atmosphere.”
Hensley mentioned that the Woodlawn area has some of the most well lit streets in town and it is due to property owners picking up the tab.
“The City needs to work with us,” Hensley said. “I just want a safe environment for my children and family.”
Sikeston Mayor Steven Burch asked what the BMU policy is for where lights are placed.
“I’m not saying BMU is wrong,” Burch said, adding he thought it would be helpful to the Council to know the policy. “I just think we might need to look at it on a global scale.”