Seaside — The City Council discussed additional funding for the Chamber of Commerce fireworks show and agreed to maintain the existing city contribution while staff and the fireworks committee develop a multi‑year education and enforcement approach to reduce illegal fireworks.

Spencer briefed the council on two Chamber funding options: a modest increased contribution to maintain the existing program (the staff summary referenced $40,500) and a larger show option requiring a $60,000 city contribution. Staff also summarized direct city costs for event overtime and public‑works services and estimated city operational costs could push total city spending for the event toward $80,000 when overtime and services are included.

Councilors expressed concern that a one‑time large increase could set expectations for future years and that increasing the baseline could create pressure to maintain a larger show. One councilor said they would not support additional funds beyond the recent increase.

The fireworks committee and staff proposed a year‑round education and enforcement component focused on reducing illegal fireworks. The committee provided a planning "napkin" estimate for deployment at 23 beach entrances — including staffing, banners, and a side‑by‑side vehicle — and discussed signage and hotel/restaurant outreach. Committee representatives cautioned that asking businesses to do heavy lifting during peak season could be burdensome and recommended lower‑effort options such as window signage, reservation‑site notifications, and receipt messaging.

Council consensus was to keep funding at the current approved level and direct staff to prepare a plan for an education/enforcement campaign that balances staffing, signage and partnerships with local businesses; the council asked the subcommittee to return with costed recommendations.

What happens next: staff and the fireworks committee will prepare a written plan and timeline for the education/enforcement campaign, including cost estimates and roles for the city and Chamber, for council review.