Council approves LED streetlight installation; members press staff on funding and scope

The Monona City Council approved a contract for installation services for the Monona Lehi LED streetlight conversion project on Feb. 17, after council members sought clarification about how the city’s capital allocation, federal reimbursement and utility involvement are calculated.

The council had previously approved $150,000 in capital funding for the project in fall 2024. At the meeting staff explained that $80,000 of project costs are eligible for reimbursement through a federal carbon-reduction program, but only $58,000 of eligible funds will actually be used to reimburse the city because of the project’s cost-share arrangement. Council members questioned whether the city or the utility would be paying for installation and the bulbs; staff clarified the installation contract before the vote.

Why it matters: The LED conversion is a capital project intended to reduce energy use and the city’s carbon footprint. Council discussion focused on budget transparency and which line items appear in the packet (installation labor vs. materials).

Details and next steps - Funding in packet: $150,000 city capital allocation (approved fall 2024); $80,000 identified as reimbursable from a federal Carbon Reduction program; roughly $58,000 of eligible funds are expected to be used as reimbursement to the city; the installation line item discussed in the meeting was about $70,000. Staff said the materials bid (bulbs/fixtures) was previously approved in December and have already been purchased. - Vote and implementation: Council called the roll and approved the installation agreement; Public Works will finalize the contract and schedule the installation.

Council instruction to staff emphasized clear accounting of reimbursements, division of responsibilities with the utility and ensuring the packet’s line‑item descriptions match the contract being approved.