Staff recommends that the City Council conduct a public hearing and approve the proposed resolution adopting the annual Special Improvement Lighting Maintenance District (SILMD) assessments for Fiscal Year 2021.

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 Fiscal Year 2021.

City Council may:

• Approve, or;
• Disapprove. If Council does not approve the resolution, an amended resolution will need to be adopted at the next City Council meeting for continued operation of the light districts and to be in compliance with state law.

SILMD assessments for FY 2021 will generate approximately $2,431,125 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 53 light districts, decrease for 41 light districts, and remain unchanged for 98 light districts. There are also 2 new light districts being assessed this year. The overall decrease for existing light districts in FY2021 compared to FY2020 is $44,510.