Council debates future of New Year's Eve block party; decides to revisit next meeting

Events staff and council discussed whether to continue Hiram's New Year's Eve block party. Staff reviewed vendor responses, past attendance and sponsorship history and said the event had lower turnout than hoped in prior years. Staff and council members outlined financial and staffing concerns: the event can cost roughly $10,000'$15,000 for fireworks and requires police and public works staffing.

Some council members and a business association representative urged continuing the event to develop tourism and provide a local option for residents who otherwise travel to Atlanta. Others said turnout after the first fireworks has been low and argued the city could better invest the fireworks budget in additional events during the year or shift a fireworks display to the Christmas tree lighting.

Staff noted the fireworks contract is already in place for two shows; staff explained it may be possible to reallocate one show to the Christmas tree lighting but cautioned about contract terms and staffing implications. Several council members suggested shortening the New Year's program and examining sponsorship timing earlier in the year so businesses can budget for support.

Council did not make a final decision at the meeting; members agreed to place the item on the next meeting agenda with options (shorten program, shift fireworks, or cancel) and associated cost and staffing data.

“We do not have the ability to have that extra cushion that we had before... sponsorships have been declining,” an events staff member said, describing reduced hotel-motel fund receipts and variable sponsor participation.