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Council authorizes 2025 Fourth of July celebration; general fund to cover up to $60,000 shortfall
Summary
City authorized the July 4 fireworks and festival at Barney Schwartz Park with a revised $160,000 budget and directed staff to pursue additional sponsorships; council voted unanimously to cover expenses exceeding revenues from general fund reserves, estimated at about $60,000.
The City Council authorized the city to hold the July 4, 2025 fireworks celebration at Barney Schwartz Park and agreed to cover projected budget shortfalls from general fund reserves while staff seeks additional sponsorships.
Public Works Director Freda Berman presented a revised budget at the council's Feb. 4 meeting that reduces staging, hours and programming compared with recent years but keeps pyrotechnics and public-safety staffing. Berman said the 2024 event cost about $161,500; she proposed a revised $160,000 budget for 2025 that includes a 10% contingency and reduced staffing and programming. She asked the council to authorize continuation of the event and to allow general fund reserves to cover any revenue shortfall.
"We can cut staffing to $22,000, pyrotechnics is locked in at $43,000 and I found less about $4,000 in professional services," Berman said. She described savings such as starting the event later (4 p.m. rather than 2 p.m.), reducing to one band and shrinking the activity and sponsor footprint. Berman said private security and weed abatement remain necessary costs.
Council Member Gregory moved to authorize staff to proceed with the 2025 Fourth of July celebration at Barney Schwartz Park, with all expenses exceeding available revenue covered by general fund reserves and with staff pursuing additional corporate sponsors; Council Member Strong seconded. The motion, amended in discussion to reflect the addendum's $60,000 overage estimate, passed unanimously.
Council and members of the public discussed options to reduce cost (parking charges, donations, volunteer recruitment) and the practical limits of volunteer support. Berman said parking charges would increase staffing complexity and might not produce a meaningful net result. Council members and residents expressed broad support for continuing the event as a community tradition.
Ending
Staff will proceed with event contracts and sponsor outreach; staff said contract awards and final program details will return to council if required by procurement rules.
