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AGENDA RECOMMENDATION |
9.A.
City Council Regular Meeting
- Meeting Date:
- 03/23/2026
Agenda Item:
Resolution authorizing the City of Mankato to enter into a Participation Agreement with Lights On! MN and to participate in the Minnesota Lights On! vehicle repair voucher program.
Recommendation/Action(s):
Adoption of the attached resolution.
Summary:
The Minnesota Lights On! program provides repair vouchers that law enforcement agencies may distribute to motorists in lieu of citations for certain vehicle equipment violations, such as defective headlights, taillights, or brake lights. The vouchers allow eligible drivers to obtain repairs at participating auto repair centers at no cost to the driver.
The program is designed to improve roadway safety, strengthen community-police relationships, and assist drivers who may face financial barriers to vehicle repairs.
The Mankato Department of Public Safety previously participated in the Lights On! voucher program for several years until it was paused by Lights On! in July 2025 due to funding limitations. Lights On! MN has since secured additional funding and recently reopened the program for participating agencies. To rejoin the program, participating agencies must enter into a participation agreement with Lights On! MN and pay a one-time operational fee of $500 to support program administration. Voucher repair costs are funded through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety.
Through participation in the program, the Mankato Department of Public Safety will receive 100 repair vouchers to distribute to motorists within the community. Each voucher allows motorists to obtain vehicle lighting repairs at participating auto repair centers, with repair costs covered up to $250.
Officers may issue these vouchers at their discretion in lieu of issuing a citation for certain equipment violations. This program provides officers with an additional tool to address equipment violations in a way that promotes compliance, improves roadway safety, and assists motorists who may otherwise struggle to afford necessary repairs.
Participation in the program reflects the City’s continued commitment to balancing enforcement with problem-solving and community partnership.
Staff recommend adoption of the attached resolution.
The program is designed to improve roadway safety, strengthen community-police relationships, and assist drivers who may face financial barriers to vehicle repairs.
The Mankato Department of Public Safety previously participated in the Lights On! voucher program for several years until it was paused by Lights On! in July 2025 due to funding limitations. Lights On! MN has since secured additional funding and recently reopened the program for participating agencies. To rejoin the program, participating agencies must enter into a participation agreement with Lights On! MN and pay a one-time operational fee of $500 to support program administration. Voucher repair costs are funded through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety.
Through participation in the program, the Mankato Department of Public Safety will receive 100 repair vouchers to distribute to motorists within the community. Each voucher allows motorists to obtain vehicle lighting repairs at participating auto repair centers, with repair costs covered up to $250.
Officers may issue these vouchers at their discretion in lieu of issuing a citation for certain equipment violations. This program provides officers with an additional tool to address equipment violations in a way that promotes compliance, improves roadway safety, and assists motorists who may otherwise struggle to afford necessary repairs.
Participation in the program reflects the City’s continued commitment to balancing enforcement with problem-solving and community partnership.
Staff recommend adoption of the attached resolution.