The financial crisis in local governments around the state is engendering many cost-saving solutions, from cutting library hours to cutting the grass less often in city parks. The latest proposal in Brainerd is turning off street lights.

Not all of them, says the Brainerd Dispatch — just 27 during a proposed pilot project that will last six months.

The city council will vote Nov. 2 on finalizing the plan, which includes shutting off lights to alleys in north Brainerd and using timers on lights in Gregory Park, the paper said.

Lights at main thoroughfares and in areas around schools, churches, the hospital and the senior center will stay on.

Estimated annual savings: $3,400 a year.