Sonoma County supervisors Tuesday unanimously backed a proposal to consolidate 19 of 24 county lighting districts, but split over the key issue of what to do with their $5.6 million in accrued cash. Public works officials had proposed pooling those resources to help at least eight smaller, struggling districts avoid looming shortfalls and enable a $5 million network-wide upgrade to energy efficient LED lights.

Sonoma County supervisors next week are set to consider consolidating 19 taxpayer-supported lighting districts, a move public works officials are recommending in part to shift money toward upkeep of the county’s beleaguered roads. Some residents and business owners in the largest districts have voiced concern — though not with the roads aspect of the proposal.