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Big Rapids commissioners debate whether city should sign fireworks contract for 250th Independence anniversary
Summary
Commissioners discussed whether the city should sign a contract or seek bids, whether fundraising should cover the cost, and whether volunteers or a community group should take responsibility; no final contract decision was made at the meeting.
Big Rapids — Commissioners spent an extended portion of the meeting debating how, and whether, the city should proceed with fireworks for the upcoming Independence celebration and the country’s 250th anniversary.
Staff said Pyrotechnico (referred to by staff) and another company had contacted the city about available dates. A city staff member said the fireworks vendor asked for a prompt decision because many communities are seeking dates for the anniversary year. Commissioners and members of the public weighed competing considerations: civic celebration value, cost (about $25,000 cited in the public record), procurement rules, and the city’s role versus private fundraising.
Commissioner Amanda (first name used in transcript) said she would prefer to see the money spent on longer-lasting community programs but acknowledged the celebration’s importance. Several commissioners supported proceeding this year while also pursuing a more formal procurement approach for future years. One commissioner recommended issuing a formal bid because the contract exceeds the city’s informal purchase threshold; staff agreed to prepare a bid document and return in November with responses.
Multiple residents and a commissioner urged the city to continue the event this year and offered to help with fundraising. Staff said last year the city signed a contract and later raised much of the cost through private fundraising; the township contributed $5,000. Commissioners discussed three options: (1) the city sign the contract and seek fundraising (as happened last year), (2) the city solicit bids and then decide based on responses, or (3) a private community group sign the contract and handle fundraising and liability. One staff member said they would prepare bid documents and could return with results in November; commissioners also asked staff to reach out to the new CVB director and local stakeholders.
No formal vote was held at the meeting to sign a fireworks contract. Several commissioners urged staff to continue fundraising outreach and to prepare procurement options to present at the next meeting.
