Alamogordo approves $55,000 fireworks contract for 250th‑anniversary despite contract risks

The Alamogordo City Commission voted 5–1 on Feb. 10 to approve a $55,000 fireworks contract and authorize staff to negotiate final terms for the city’s 250th‑anniversary celebration.

Acting City Manager Stephanie Hernandez told the commission the city had only one vendor willing to provide fireworks for the anniversary weekend and that the offered contract includes what staff described as risky force‑majeure language. "If those conditions continue on both days, then that's when we start to see some issues," Hernandez said, describing a clause that could require the city to pay 50% when the contract is signed and up to 100% of the price if the display is canceled on both the primary and backup dates.

The nut graf: commissioners weighed public‑safety and cost risks against the community value of an in‑person fireworks display, and voted to proceed while instructing staff to seek negotiated changes where possible. Commissioners discussed drone alternatives, vendor availability and insurance coverage; staff said the vendor provided a $5 million certificate of liability naming the city as an additional insured.

During debate, one commissioner said the drones last year had been "pretty cool" but noted drone shows this year would cost about $80,000, compared with $55,000 for fireworks. Staff said drones were not available for the city’s date window and vendors had limited availability because this is an anniversary year. Commissioners also asked whether the city or local partners such as White Sands Missile Range and Holloman Air Force Base would expect a fireworks display.

A motion to "approve the $55,000 for the fireworks display and authorize staff to enter into negotiation with them" was made, seconded and passed 5–1. The commission did not record individual commissioner roll‑call votes in the public discussion; the meeting minutes show the tally as 5 in favor and 1 opposed.

Staff acknowledged the decision deadline from the vendor was imminent and said they had requested the seller reconsider certain contract terms. Hernandez told the commission staff would continue negotiations and return details as needed.

The commission’s action authorizes staff to finalize a contract and pursue any agreed‑upon edits; if the vendor enforces the cancellation clauses and both scheduled dates are canceled for weather or force majeure, the contract language presented to the commission could obligate the city to significant payment without a performance show. The vendor’s insurance coverage and the city’s options to renegotiate or seek alternate vendors were left as staff follow‑up items.

The commission moved on to staff training and other agenda items after the vote.