Many Indiana streets could be a little darker at night because budget cuts and property tax caps are pinching local budgets.

Merrillville, Valparaiso and Muncie are among the cities that have decided to turn off some streetlights in an effort to save money.

Merrillville has turned off every other streetlight on its main roads. Valparaiso is turning off every other light in some areas and has set others to turn off at midnight. Muncie plans to shut off 85 percent of overhead lights to help balance its 2010 budget.

Officials say the steps are necessary. Merrillville Public Works Director Bruce Spires says the city is more than a year behind on its NIPSCO bills and will save about $2,000 a month by turning off 300 streetlights.