Council Updates Security Light Fees; Installation Cost Set at $350

Meeting Summary and Briefs: City of Casey Council Meeting | Jan. 5, 2026

Article Summary:

The City Council approved a new fee structure for private security lights installed on city poles, establishing a standard installation fee and updated monthly usage rates.

Ordinance #603 Key Points:

• Installation Fee: Customers must now pay a one-time charge of $350 for the installation of a security light.

• Monthly Rates: Fees are set at $20 for 175-watt lights, $45 for 400-watt lights, and $30 for LED lights.

• Vote Split: The ordinance passed 4-1, with Alderman Lori Wilson casting the dissenting vote due to cost concerns.

The Casey City Council on Monday, January 5, 2026, approved Ordinance #603, updating the electric rates and rules regarding security lights installed on city-owned poles for private use.

Director of Public Works Ryan Staley presented the changes, noting that the city had not previously charged for the purchase of the light pole itself, unlike many other municipalities.

Under the new ordinance, customers requesting a security light must pay an initial charge of $350. Staley stated this fee is intended to cover the city’s costs for the equipment and installation.

The ordinance also establishes a tiered monthly fee structure for the operation of the lights:

• 175-watt lights: $20.00 per month.

• 400-watt lights: $45.00 per month.

• LED lights: $30.00 per month.

Staley clarified during the meeting that these charges apply to security lights requested by residents for their private property but mounted on city infrastructure, distinct from standard public streetlights. These lights are not run through the customer’s home electric meter, necessitating the flat monthly fee.

The measure passed by a vote of 4-1. Aldermen Tanner Brown, Jeremiah Hanley, Steve Jenkins, and Marcy Mumford voted yes.

Alderman Lori Wilson voted no. Speaking after the vote, Wilson explained that she opposed the measure because she believed the new charges mandated by the ordinance were “excessive.”