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East Troy keeps $10,000 fireworks line item, board leaves decision with Lions Club
Summary
Trustees agreed informally to leave the $10,000 2026 budget allocation that has long funded fireworks with the Lions Club rather than re-labeling the money for a separate Fourth of July event, while asking staff to accept proposals if another organizer emerges.
President Johnson said the village’s 2026 budget currently includes $10,000 traditionally used to support fireworks displays. Trustees and community speakers debated whether that money should remain designated to support the Lions Club or be explicitly attached to a Fourth of July celebration in case the Lions move the festival date.
Board members who spoke said the Lions Club has expected the funding and that the club’s long-standing organization makes it the logical recipient for now, while others suggested keeping the village’s contribution narrowly defined for fireworks rather than broader festival activities. One trustee noted, “When that was originally passed … it was for fireworks. It wasn’t for the Lions Club.” Another said there is a small group exploring a separate July 4 event but that organizing it on short notice would be difficult.
The chair said there was a verbal consensus to leave the budget as written and continue conversations: “Sounds like we have verbal consensus that we should just continue with budget as is.” Staff and trustees agreed to maintain flexibility for future years if a formal alternative proposal is filed.
Next steps: staff will continue outreach to the Lions Club and any other organizers; no formal budget amendment was made at the meeting.
