Henry County government officials are taking a close look at where street lights are needed around the county, but the exact way they will do that has not yet been decided.

The Board of Commissioners discussed the matter at its September 20 regular meeting and, when the question of how to fund a street light assessment came up, it was tabled until the first meeting in November to give county staff a chance to identify an appropriate funding source.

County transportation planning director Sam Baker, who was directed by the board in June to solicit proposals for the assessment, reported at the most recent meeting that a $200,000 bid was selected from three applicants. The study would cover all of unincorporated Henry County and take an approximate nine months to conclude.

“The questions before you tonight are, should Henry County conduct a streetlight needs assessment study?” said Baker. “And if the answer is yes, how to pay for it.”

There was a difference of opinion among the commissioners regarding whether the study was needed. Bruce Holmes said it would be an unnecessary expense because “each commissioner knows their district and can give you a list. It’s just that simple.”

Dee Clemmons did not oppose the study, but expressed concern at its length given the urgency of lighting concerns around the county. “The roads are dark. They need to be lit,” Clemmons said. “We have to stop stalling.”

Johnny Wilson was not in opposition, but contended that before moving forward, the county needed to identify the source of funds for not only the study but also the installation. “If we do a $200,000 study on where to put streetlights with no funding to put them in place, I think the study is going to be on the shelf,” he said.

Vivian Thomas supported the study, citing its ability to maximize long-term planning. “I think it would behoove us to do this correctly,” Thomas said. “If we start just picking roads … we may not be using taxpayers’ dollars as efficiently as we can.”
Board chair Carlotta Harrell was also in favor. She expressed a desire to have a baseline list of lighting needs as it would help with year to year budgetary planning in addition to identifying any immediate action items.

On the question of funding, finance director David Smith was asked to clarify potential sources. Smith stated that while the general fund was an option, he would not recommend pulling from the $30 million fund balance for an ongoing cost like street light maintenance. However, he said that given time, the Finance Department could identify a sustainable stream of funding for the lighting, while adding that any items pertaining to public safety are given priority.

“If this board so desires, there is no scarcity of resolve on my part to find a way to make this happen,” said Smith.
Dee Anglyn made a motion to table the matter so that County staff could return with the funding sources identified. The motion to table carried 4-2 with Clemmons and Holmes the two dissenting votes.