The average property owner in Mankato will see their utility bill go up by $2.50 a month with commercial and industrial properties, depending on their size, paying more.
The street light utility fee goes into effect in January.
The Mankato City Council voting 4 to 3 Monday night in support of the measure.
That fee will cover the city's $500,000 in budgeted street light costs...instead of that money coming from Mankato's general fund.
It pays for maintenance the city has been waiting to do like painting poles, and improving lighting in neighborhoods like Lincoln Park.
Non-profits will not be exempt from this fee and a nearly two hour discussion many non-profit representatives voiced concerns about this new fee.
VINE Executive Director Pam Determan says, "That translates into about $80 a month or almost $1,000 for the year. That would be taxed or assessed, and quite frankly to a non-profit, that's not small potatoes."
Mankato City Council Member Tamra Rovney says, "We have those same struggles here in the city. We are making very, very hard choices. And we do understand the ramifications, what it means to people whether to raise taxes or institute a fee. We do not take that lightly and for anyone to insinuate that we do is kinda hurtful."
At least 28 cities already charge a light utility fee.
The Mankato city council started discussing such a fee a year and a half ago.
