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Council approves conditional fireworks contract if community raises $30,000 within one month; staff to proceed with contingency
Summary
Council voted 3–1 to direct staff to enter a fireworks contract only if community fundraising reaches $30,000 within one month; if the threshold is unmet the city will proceed with family‑friendly daytime events without a fireworks after‑dark display.
The Saint Helena City Council on April 22 voted to conditionally authorize a professional fireworks display if community fundraising reaches a specified threshold within a one‑month window. The vote authorizes staff to finalize a fireworks contract only if a minimum of $30,000 in community funds is raised in that period; otherwise council directed staff to proceed with a family‑friendly, daytime Fourth‑of‑July program similar to the 2024 event.
Staff had presented cost estimates: a traditional professional fireworks display cost about $40,000 for the pyrotechnics plus an additional $15,000–$20,000 for staffing, security, and event infrastructure, for a total roughly in the $55,000 range; a laser show was estimated at $20,000–$25,000; a modest family daytime festival without an after‑dark show was estimated at $15,000–$20,000. Staff noted there is approximately $46,000 remaining in the city’s July 4 fund (which includes a $31,000 fireworks line item) but that these are general‑fund dollars and must be allocated in the FY26 budget.
Public commenters urged using leftover funds for other priorities and favored a lower‑cost family event. Council members split over whether the city should underwrite fireworks from general funds while the city faces structural budget pressures. After a motion and an amendment the council approved the contingency by roll‑call vote (Barrick: yes; Spatarotto: yes; Vice Mayor Deasy: yes; Mayor Doreen: no). The amendment set a one‑month fundraising window and a $30,000 threshold; staff will report back on fundraising status and either execute the fireworks contract if the threshold is met or proceed with a daytime program if not.
Council also discussed alternative after‑dark displays (laser or drone shows) but noted later booking windows and sponsorship uncertainty. Staff said contractor availability is limited and that timely fundraising will be required to secure a professional display.
