City engineer flags higher-than-expected streetlight costs; council authorizes agreements

Montrose — City engineering staff told the Montrose council on March 9 that two XL Energy streetlight agreements included in the packet show costs higher than earlier estimates and asked the council to authorize execution of the agreements.

The engineer described two contract areas — First Street North/Crystal Lane and the Leurman Industrial Park — and noted the city had initially planned for about $28,000 for the work. Staff reported the final packet figures are substantially higher than that early estimate and said additional costs reflect identified light locations, wiring and conduit. The staff memo included specific agreement amounts in the packet; staff said those agreements are in the packet and ready for payment and requested council authorization to execute them so the contractor can finalize design and provide a schedule.

When asked about timing, staff said work is expected to begin this year and continue into next year as planned, with implementation schedules to be set after design is finalized and payments are made. A councilmember asked staff to obtain better cost estimates from the vendor after this project to improve future planning.

Why it matters: The increased cost for a multi-year streetlight replacement program affects capital budgeting and may shift funds from other projects. Council authorization to execute agreements enables staff to get a schedule and move forward with installation.

The council approved the staff request to execute the agreements by voice vote; staff said they will return with more precise post-project estimates.