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COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- City crews are preparing to turn streetlights back on that were turned off last year to save the city money, but now some people said they want to keep their lights off.

City officials said last year about a third of the city's streetlights were turned off, saving the city about $1.3 million. Now, a stronger economy is allowing the city to turn the lights back on, but some said they don't want them to.

"Most people were upset that their streetlights were turned off, but there were a few people, maybe five percent of the people that I took phone calls from that wanted the streetlights off, they were celebrating the fact," John Leavitt, a city spokesman, said.

Residents looking to keep their streetlights off only have until the end of the month to notify the city and start the process.

Those interested must call the city by Dec. 31, and then gather their neighbors approval by Feb. 15.

"They have to get at least 67 percent of the people, in other words two thirds of the people surrounding the light, to agree to that," Leavitt said.

Leavitt said he doesn't expect very many people to request to keep their streetlights off, but they are happy to offer residents that option.

"For the most part it's particular reasons for a particular light," Leavitt said. "For example 'a light shines in my window and I don't like it,' or 'I prefer to be able to look out and see the stars in my backyard,'" Leavitt said.

He said the temporary blackout has helped the city through a dark financial time.

"It was very helpful and most people were very understanding," Leavitt said. "They kind of got the fact that the city was going through some very dire budget problems and were willing to contribute in that way, so that's very important and we're very appreciative of people being patient and putting up with this service that had been taken away. But thankfully we're able to reverse it now and start turning those lights back on."

Leavitt said the city plans to start turning on all the streetlights after the first of the year.

Those interested in keeping their streetlights off must call 719-385-2852 or email streetlights@springsgov.com by Dec. 31.