In Sylva, even light itself is not exempt from inflation, as the cost of illumination is poised to surge by a substantial 56 percent. Public Works Director Jake Scott took the podium during the town board meeting last Thursday, dedicating 45 minutes to the discussion, with a significant portion focused on the impending transition to new street lights. The iconic pinkish, warm ambiance of West Main and Mill will soon be replaced by the efficiency of LEDs.
Currently, Duke Energy owns all the equipment, including the poles, with the town footing a monthly bill. Scott revealed that the town presently has 51 lights on West Main and four on Mill, which have faithfully illuminated the streets for three decades, utilizing compressed sodium and aging halogen bulbs, unlike the more modern LEDs.
The challenge facing the town is that Duke Energy will no longer provide the poles lining the streets. Scott expressed the town’s loss of six to eight poles annually, noting a recent incident where two were lost simultaneously.
Duke Energy has been advocating for the town’s shift to LEDs for years, although the change comes with the trade-off of a harsher light compared to the warm glow of compressed sodium. Scott assured the board that efforts were underway to enhance the visual appeal and reduce disturbance to nearby residents.
Scott presented three options for new street lights to the board. The Ocala, being the most economical and resembling the current posts, would cost $30.12 per month or $19,879.20 annually for all 55 lights. The Mitchell Tophat, projecting less light upward, would incur an annual cost of $23,443.20, or $35.52 per month. The Monticello, considered the most aesthetically pleasing but also the most expensive, would run $23,819.40 annually or $36.09 per month.
Despite the Ocala being the cheapest option, it would still result in a $7,000 increase per light annually compared to the existing cost of $12,777.60 for all lights.
In addition to the lighting transition, the town must install banner arms, a one-time expense of approximately $4,500. Facing significant increases in public lighting costs, the board engaged in a discussion weighing pros and cons, comparing costs, but ultimately opted to postpone the decision.
Mayor Johnny Phillips suggested placing the matter on the agenda for the upcoming town board meeting on February 8 at 5:30 p.m., emphasizing the need for a swift decision to move forward.
