The Flowery Branch City Council passed the second reading of an ordinance Thursday night that would start charging neighborhood residents for streetlights.

The ordinance proposes setting up two special assessment districts — one for Newberry Point, Madison Creek and Portsmouth subdivisions — and one for all other subdivisions.

Newberry Point and Portsmouth residents would pay around $30 per year and Madison Creek residents about $40 per year. The difference in charges between those subdivisions is based on the number of lights and properties served by them.

The ordinance passed unanimously.

“At this point, it’s putting all neighborhoods on an equal basis,” said Mayor Mike Miller after passing the first reading in July. “We have some neighborhoods that are not paying for their streetlights and some that are. With this ordinance it allows for the creation of the districts so that all neighborhoods will be equal in terms of streetlights.”

Newberry Point and Portsmouth currently do not pay for streetlights and Madison Creek has a deal with the city to pay a governmental rate to Georgia Power.

All other neighborhoods pay for their lights through homeowners’ associations or other arrangements.