Staff recommends that City Council conduct a public hearing and approve the proposed resolution adopting the annual Special Improvement Lighting Maintenance District assessments for FY24.

Montana Code Annotated, Section 7-12-4332, requires that the City Council annually adopt a resolution to assess the costs for each Special Improvement Lighting Maintenance District (SILMD) on or before the first Monday in October each year. The amount assessed is based on anticipated utility rates, estimated maintenance costs and administrative fees, as well as the reserve requirements needed for each district. The attached resolution specifies the proposed SILMD assessments for FY24.

City Council may:

• Approve the resolution assessing annual light districts; or,
• Not approve the resolution. If Council does not approve the resolution, Council will need to approve the resolution at the September 25, 2023, Council meeting to be in compliance with State statutes. 

SILMD assessments for FY24 will generate approximately $2,712,680 in revenues which is the amount calculated to recover the estimated costs of electricity, maintenance and administration fees, and to maintain an adequate cash balance in each light district fund.  The SILMD assessment will increase for 176 light districts, decrease for 4 light districts, and remain unchanged for 18 light districts. The overall increase for existing light districts in FY2024 compared to FY2023 is $234,370 or 9.5%.  The primary reason for the increases is due to a significant increase in electricity prices.