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Pittsburg approves streetlight improvement plan, budgets roughly $99,900 annually for phased rollout
Summary
The commission approved a staff plan to increase lumens where possible, add fixtures to 182 locations with nearby poles and install poles and lights at 140 locations; staff said the police department surveyed roughly 460 sites and identified correlations between low lighting and property‑crime hotspots; commissioners discussed whether to fund the program from the general fund or public safety sales tax.
City staff presented a streetlight improvement package on Nov. 12 that recommends three actions: (1) increase lumens on existing streetlights where feasible; (2) add additional lighting to approximately 182 locations where existing poles are nearby; and (3) install a new pole and light fixture at about 140 additional locations. Staff estimated the incremental annual cost to the city at approximately $99,900.
A police‑led two‑month survey identified roughly 460 locations with potential need for improved lighting, and staff noted about 90 sites required tree trimming to restore light canopy before other work. Project leads said some low‑lighting areas corresponded with property‑crime hotspots and that addressing those locations could support crime‑prevention efforts.
Commissioners questioned technical details (LED vs. existing fixtures), downtown decorative downlighting tests, and funding options. Staff explained the project was budgeted in the general fund for the coming year but said the commission could consider moving portions to public safety sales‑tax revenue in future budget cycles; staff emphasized the program is a multi‑year rollout with coordination with Evergy (utility partner).
A commissioner moved to approve starting the program; the motion carried. Staff said implementation will proceed in phases, starting with lumen increases and pole additions based on prioritization and further surveys.
