Miami Valley Council initiates street lighting negotiations with 24 jurisdictions

The Moraine City Council is taking proactive steps to enhance street lighting while also managing costs effectively. During a recent Committee of the Whole meeting, officials discussed plans to replace outdated street lights, which is expected to save the city approximately $4,100 annually. The proposal includes replacing certain high-pressure sodium lights with more efficient LED options, although the initial investment of $27,000 for this upgrade has raised concerns due to its limited annual savings of only $3 to $6.

City officials expressed that while transitioning to LED lighting is beneficial, the current budget does not accommodate this significant expenditure. Instead, they plan to proceed with replacing 16 lights at a lower cost, which will still contribute to energy savings without straining the city’s finances.

Additionally, the council is preparing for upcoming negotiations regarding the street lighting contract with Miami Valley Lighting (MBL), which is set to expire at the end of the year. The Miami Valley Communications Council (MVCC) is coordinating efforts among 24 jurisdictions to streamline this process. Moraine's share of the contractor costs for these negotiations is expected to be minimal, around $600 to $700, thanks to MVCC covering a portion of the expenses.

The council aims to adopt an ordinance to facilitate these negotiations by May, ensuring that the city remains ahead in securing favorable terms for street lighting services. This initiative not only reflects the city’s commitment to improving public infrastructure but also highlights a collaborative approach with neighboring communities to achieve cost-effective solutions.