Port Richey events committee approves $1,000 for holiday decorations

The Port Richey City Events Committee voted to authorize $1,000 for holiday decorations, inflatables and string lights for the city’s Dec. 5–7, 2025 season events.

A committee member moved “So I make a motion to budget for the decorations and the well, blow up decoration and lights for 1000 dollars,” and another member seconded; the committee voted in favor and the motion carried. The committee discussed using a mix of purchased LED lights, inflatable figures and a small number of new fixtures rather than contracting a full professional install after reviewing bids that ranged from about $5,900 to roughly $10,000.

Committee members said buying reusable lights would lower annual costs and allow volunteers or staff to set up displays. One member described low-cost options available at national retailers, citing 50-foot icicle light rolls and LED trees as affordable alternatives, and volunteered to bring a personal Christmas village to display in the lobby if storage and a perimeter can be arranged.

The committee also agreed that two members would handle procurement with a city purchasing card and that volunteers and staff would cooperate on installation. Members set a pre-event work session for the Monday before the event (meeting time moved earlier to allow decoration work) to purchase and install decorations.

The committee did not adopt a larger contractor contract and instead prioritized a one-time $1,000 purchase to create reusable assets for future years. The committee’s next steps include confirming storage and power for decorations and coordinating with city staff on any required permits or staff assistance.