Commission authorizes $60,006.40 purchase of downtown holiday decorations after debate over cost and longevity

Clinton McNamee, public works and utilities director, presented options for downtown holiday decorations and recommended purchasing a new set for all 102 poles along Commercial Street from a vendor identified in the meeting as South Fourth Lights. McNamee said the city's capital-improvement plan included roughly $45,000 for decorations this year and that fund balance and other CIP savings could cover a purchase priced at $60,006.40.

McNamee described alternatives: buying used decorations from the company that had been renting them for the city for about $23,000, or purchasing new decorations priced between roughly $27,000 and $32,000 (quotes cited during the discussion varied). He said used decorations have already seen three years of service and that new, U.S.-made decorations proposed would likely carry a warranty and McNamee expressed confidence they could last up to 10 years. He noted installation by city staff would not add payroll costs but would represent an opportunity cost of about two weeks of staff time.

Several commissioners questioned the expense given local needs. One commissioner urged seeking a better price from the current contractor or buying used decorations to reduce the annualized cost; another pointed out that purchasing would amortize the expense over future years. After discussion, the commission moved and seconded a motion to authorize staff to purchase decorations for 102 light poles from South Fourth Lights in the amount of $60,006.40. A voice vote approved the purchase; the motion carried.

Staff said they had ordered a sample to confirm appearance and noted storage space is available at the city shop for decorations.