Public Works Director Richard Parnell this afternoon presented council with several budget concerns during its work session.
Parnell covered issues from the expense of street lights to increased tipping fees during his presentation.
One of the concerns is the cost of street lights, for which Parnell budgeted $400,000 but City Manager Paul Sabiston recommended $350,000 in the upcoming fiscal year.
"We hope we can conserve energy by taking some out and turning off some street lights," the city manager said. "The savings could be substantial."
There are 1,800 street lights in the city, Parnell said. The average cost is $16 per light. "We have a lot of mercury vapor lights. Some cost us $40 a month and some $11 a month."
Parnell said he has talked with Dominion Power. By switching to sodium vapor lights, taking some away and turning some off there could be significant savings. "Dominion replaces them as they go out. They have a fuel charge so our bill could go up and affect us in 2012."
Another concern in the public works department is a 3 percent tipping fee increase at Waste Industries, which also includes a fuel adjustment. The recommended figure for that item is $350,185.
The tipping fee, which is based on 7,000 tons, will go to $48.49, Parnell told council. With fuel costs factored that will mean around $51 per ton.
Other concerns within the department include:
Replacing a parts washer at $1,800.
Replacement of casings from retread tires at $6,850.
Private contracting for potholes at $15,000.
Virginia Avenue-Julian R. Allsbrook Highway improvements at Chaloner Middle School for $15,000. The project includes lighting and sidewalks so children don't have to walk in the street. The department will explore grant funding and also seek a partnership with the school system.
Replacement of a garbage truck at $160,000. The city has spent $14,000 for repairs on the truck.
The proposed solid waste transfer station design at $72,500.
Ten new lawn mowers at $100 per mower. Parnell said since the inmate labor program was established, "They're doing more pushing than riding."
A mile and a half of street resurfacing at $100,000.
427 new rollout trash cans at $60 each.
