WRENTHAM - Local officials are already being hit with residents' concerns about plans to shut off streetlights in town to help bail the town out of a projected $1.5 million deficit.

But residents and area motorists might as well get used to the town becoming a little darker in the months ahead.

With every dollar being scrutinized and the budget for streetlights running about $80,000, half the streetlights in town are expected to be turned off for the fiscal year that starts July 1.

Town Administrator Jack McFeeley said major intersections, curves in the road and other dangerous points would remain illuminated.

Besides the cost savings, officials say the town shouldn't be in the business of providing security lighting for homes and businesses, in the first place. Selectman John Zizza said, however, he was told by former longtime finance committee member Sue Szekely that when the town shut off streetlights last time, little savings were realized because the electric company charges municipalities to turn them off.

Selectwoman Jennifer Firth was on the board in the 1990s when streetlights were shut off, and said this time residents should be better educated about why the steps will be taken. "We never got so many complaints from residents," Firth said. "It generates a ton of complaints. It is extremely unpopular."

STEPHEN PETERSON can be reached at 508-236-0377 or at speterson@thesunchronicle.com.