Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Events Budget topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council weighs small fireworks cost increase and inflatables policy for Terrace Day; consensus to keep kids' activities free
Summary
Councilors discussed a vendor request for an additional $900 to preserve a 15‑minute fireworks show amid tariff-driven price increases and debated charging for inflatables; the council agreed to keep inflatables free for families and to discuss longer-term funding at a July work session.
Councilors discussed budget pressures for the city’s Thursday/Terrace Day celebration after staff reported inflation and tariffs have increased vendor prices for fireworks and inflatables.
Carlos (events staff) told councilors a vendor has asked the city to pay an extra $900 to keep the same number and size of shells and preserve a roughly 15‑minute fireworks show. Staff outlined options: pay the additional $900 to keep the 15‑minute show; accept a reduced show of about 10 minutes by cutting some shells; or identify new revenue through sponsorships, vendor sales, a paid wristband for inflatables, premium seating or other fundraising.
Council members discussed tradeoffs between preserving the longer fireworks display and maintaining free family activities. Several councilors said they favored keeping inflatables and family activities free even if that means shortening the pyrotechnic program. One councilor noted the city can seek additional sponsors and consider concessions; another encouraged a work session in July to set policy on paid attractions and sponsorships for future years.
No formal budget adjustment was approved at the meeting. Staff said the vendor needs an answer quickly and that staff will evaluate procurement and sponsor options; council directed staff to return with a plan and scheduled a July work session to address Terrace Day budget and long‑term policy.
