Not too sure how many flagpoles Clearwater has, but my neighbor in Chicago spent about $300 last year to light his single flagpole.
Removal of flagpoles probably helps prevent vandalism and slows down deterioration of the poles.
I gotta think removing the flagpole will cost more that $300 and there will be no more vandalism on an empty pole than it receives now. Spending dollars to save pennies ... gotta be the gubermint.