Council weighs pausing town fireworks as vendor prices rise, explores partnerships with port and tribe

Councilors discussed whether to continue funding the town fireworks display after receiving a message from the vendor, Western Display, that prices are rising and show size may shrink for the same fee. Council members noted the town paid about $15,000 for last year’s show and were told the vendor expects prices to be at least 20% higher this year and possibly double in the long run.

Council member Scott and others suggested taking a year off from underwriting the fireworks, shifting funds to food vendors, music and other celebration elements, and asking the port and regional tribal partners to lead a larger display for the 250th national anniversary. Council agreed to have staff reach out to the port and to contact Rodney Johnson at the tribe to explore possible collaboration. Scott said he would make those contacts and report back before the next meeting.

Why it matters: Fireworks are a high‑visibility town expense paid from local funds; a sharp vendor price rise could strain the events budget and change how the town stages July 4th celebrations.

Details and debate: Council members said the fireworks display felt smaller in recent years and that visitors and residents compared it unfavorably to neighboring displays. One councillor suggested adding a voluntary donation request on water bills to offset costs. Council did not adopt a budget change at the meeting but authorized outreach to potential partners and scheduled follow-up for the next meeting in two weeks.

Decision vs. direction: The council did not formally cancel the fireworks but agreed to pause town-led fireworks as a possibility, pursue partnerships with the port and tribe, and review the budget and community options before deciding.

Ending: Staff will contact the port and tribal representatives; the council will revisit funding and programming at the next meeting.