By SHELLEY TERRY - Staff Writer - sterry@starbeacon.com
CONNEAUT — City residents received a quick review of their street lighting assessment at a councilman’s request Monday night.
Ward 4 Councilman Dino Julio asked Finance Director John Williams to explain briefly the street lighting fee again because some misinformation was getting out to the public: Specifically, that the city is overcharging residents.
“We are not over-correcting for street lighting,” Williams said. “Any excess must be used for streetlights and only streetlights.”
In April, a majority of council approved a $2 monthly fee to help the general fund recoup the $120,000 spent annually for streetlights. For most residents, the fee is contained on their municipal water and sewer bills. People who have neither city-provided water nor sewer service receive separate bills.
Two weeks ago, council passed a new version of the fee, allowing people who own property at least 500 feet from the nearest light to apply for exemptions, while clarifying the obligations of commercial and industrial properties.
Soon after the fee was introduced, questions began to surface at council meetings.
Williams assured residents no one should be concerned the money will be used for any purpose other than streetlights.
