Driving on Broad Street at night could soon be easier as new LED lighting is coming.
Aldermen approved installation of new bulbs in streetlights from the courthouse to Sumrall Road Tuesday after meeting with Rob Robinson of Mississippi Power.
Robinson said the cost difference for a 90-watt LED versus the existing sodium lights is about 47 cents per light per month.
“In the past, there has been a difference in price and now it is getting where it is really close and it is worth doing,” Robinson said. “Of course it looks better and is more attractive to the eye. That white light is different, even though it is the same foot candles and all of that; it just looks better to your eye.”
Robinson said downtown Laurel has strung lights in between the buildings to give a historic look, and he said that’s something they would like to pursue in downtown Columbia based on discussions with Mayor Justin McKenzie.
“We’re working with somebody now to get some of the downtown globes replaced – seeing if we can get someone to manufacture them,” he said.
McKenzie said Robinson brought an LED light over that would replace the piece on top of the poles and they want to see how well it fits on the pole.
“The vision was to have those green posts go all the way up Main Street to Dale Street,” McKenzie said. “Should that ever come to fruition, we need to look at the options.”
There are 26 lights on Broad Street from the courthouse to Sumrall Road, and Robinson said it would cost about $13 more per month to have the LEDs.
“There is no additional charge for the LED lights, just your agreement to pay the additional electric fees,” he said.
Ward 4 Alderman Mike Smith then made a motion to change out the lights on Broad Street and look into lighting around Duckworth Park.
“It’s going to make that so much different,” he said.
Ward 1 Alderman Wendell Hammond then seconded the motion, which passed 4-0. Ward 2 Alderman Jason Stringer was ill and unable to attend the meeting.
In other business, the Board approved a renewal of the city’s health insurance after a presentation by Doug McElroy of the Southern Insurance Group. The United Healthcare plan is the same on employs currently have, but came with a 10 percent increase for the coming year.
“It’s a good plan,” McElroy said. “You’re approving a Med Plus plan that would help with the deductibles to keep the costs down.”
Ward 3 Alderwoman Anna Evans made a motion to approve the health insurance plan, which was seconded by Smith. The plan was approved 4-0.
The Board will next meet in regular session at 4 p.m. on March 20 at City Hall.
