Eight new LED lampposts will be installed outside the Carroll County Courthouse Annex at 55 N. Court St., in Westminster. The new lamps are intended to provide better and longer-lasting light for the building that houses five circuit courtrooms as well as offices for the county state’s attorney, the Office of the Register of Wills, and the county clerk. The annex is also home to the county’s Land Records & Licensing Department.

At their regular Thursday business meeting, the Board of Carroll County Commissioners unanimously approved the $29,334 contract for the lampposts to C.N. Robinson Lighting Supply Company, Inc., of Baltimore. The cost was already accounted for in the county’s fiscal 2023 budget. Installation will be completed by the county’s facilities staff.

“The current site lighting is 25 years old and nearing the end of its lifespan,” said Bryan Bokey, director of the Carroll County Department of Public Works. “The conversion to LED from incandescent will provide a longer lifespan than these current fixtures, and could reduce the energy (use) up to 75% ... These also provide a higher lumen output,” providing brighter light, which Bokey believes will improve safety.

Bokey said the existing light poles are in poor condition, so new poles will be powder coated – a painting process that helps reduce chipping and wear – to prevent corrosion and rust, extending their lifespan.

Bokey said he expected the new poles to arrive in 14 to 18 weeks and the lamps to arrive in eight to 10 weeks.

“So once we receive all the components, our main goal is to get this project in and done before wintertime,” he said.

Most of the old lamps will be recycled, with some kept for use as spare parts around the county, as needed.

Commissioners President Ed Rothstein, a Republican who represents District 5, said he appreciated that the lampposts had lasted for more than 25 years, saying it shows the county purchases good equipment that is meant to last and maintains it well.

“And, I’ve said it before with maintenance, our preventative maintenance is just phenomenal,” Rothstein said. “When I sit back and hear we’re replacing something after 25, 30, 40 years, we’ve done very well.”