From the Lawrence Daily Journal-World for Aug. 19, 1972:

Lawrence City Manager Buford Watson had been annoyed this week after receiving a bill for almost $9,000 from the Kansas Power & Light Co. for removing poles and lights as part of the downtown beautification project. The bill also included a charge for the remaining services life of the fixtures. Legally KPL was correct to charge the city for the removal of the 10-year-old light, but the city had not anticipated this move. “I think it would have been a real good gesture on their part to absorb the cost,” said Watson. “I know what the city commissioners are going to say — they’re going to hit the ceiling.” Meanwhile, the improvement project was progressing very rapidly. John Scanlan, vice president of Constant Construction Co., said today that there was “a decided possibility” that work in the 700 block could begin this fall, rather than next spring.