Belgrade council adopts intent to create Special Improvement Lighting Maintenance District 2601 for West Post Phases 3–4

The Belgrade City Council on July 21 voted to adopt a resolution of intent to create Special Improvement Lighting Maintenance District (SILMD) No. 2601 covering lighting installed in West Post Phases 3 and 4.

Public Works described the improvements as 72 LED luminaires on powder-coated steel poles with wiring and associated equipment. Staff said the district will generate funds via special assessment to the owners of affected lots to maintain and supply energy to the improvements for the life of the improvements, with Belgrade Public Works responsible for management.

Staff presented a proposed first-year total assessment of $20,750.40 (calculated on the basis of lineal frontage; staff presented a per-lineal-foot figure of approximately 66¢). Notices will be mailed to affected owners and published in the Belgrade News; staff proposed a public hearing on Aug. 18, 2025. Council adopted the resolution of intent and set the hearing date.

Council members asked about what happens if maintenance costs exceed accumulated assessments; staff said assessments go into an earmarked account for the district and, if necessary, the council would need to adjust assessments in future years and the general street maintenance fund could cover shortfalls; the calculation assumes LED head replacement on a 10-year interval and a 2.5% annual collision/strike rate based on comparable districts.

Next steps: staff will mail notices to affected property owners, publish notice in the local paper and hold the public hearing on Aug. 18, 2025.