County May Spend $300K To Replace Light Bulbs

Orange County leaders could spend over $300,000 of taxpayer money to replace light bulbs and signs. WFTV crunched the numbers Monday to find out if the spending is worth it.

There are more than 1,000 lit street signs across Orange County, and 160 could be getting an upgrade. The county wants to use nearly $300,000 in federal stimulus to switch to LED technology.


The fluorescent tube currently found inside of a light costs about $4 to replace and has to be changed every six months. The LED tube costs $500 to replace, but only needs to be changed every five years.

When fluorescent lights need to be changed, the county has to close down lanes for two hours. That will only happen every five years with LED lights.

But, will switching actually save money? WFTV looked at a five-year period.

Going LED would cost $291,000 in new signs plus $80,000 for bulbs. That's $371,000. But county engineers said it would save $36,000 in electricity and $333,000 in parts and service. That suggests taxpayers would almost break even in five years.

"If it broke even in five years, do you think it's a good return, or do you think it's not worth it right now?" WFTV reporter Nicole Papageorge asked a taxpayer.

"No right now it isn't worth it," one person replied.

"It's better for the environment, and it's most cost-efficient in the long run and we have to look at the long run," said resident Mary Harper.