Madera to resume oversight of Fourth of July fireworks; council approves $60,497 budget

The Madera City Council voted March 4 to resume primary oversight and financial responsibility for the city’s Fourth of July celebration, approving staff recommendations and a budget amendment not to exceed $60,497.

Parks Director Joe Hebert told the council the Kiwanis Club would continue to assist but the city would take the lead on administrative functions, insurance and liability, and contracting. Hebert presented a projected budget of $60,497 that includes contracted services, staff costs, fairgrounds rental and a $5,000 contingency, and recommended delegating signature authority for related agreements to the city manager so staff can finalize contracts without returning to council for each item.

The city manager clarified the fireworks show itself is approximately $37,000 and said staff earlier delivered a $20,000 down payment to Kiwanis for the vendor. "The fireworks show itself for approximately, again, 18 minutes to approximately $37,000," the city manager said, and noted community donations historically cover a large share of event costs.

Mayor Pro Tem Tim Zachariah said he expected continued community fundraising and Kiwanis participation to limit general fund exposure. After no public comments, the council moved and unanimously approved the staff recommendations, including the budget amendment and delegation of contract authority.

Next steps: staff will execute necessary agreements, coordinate with the Madera District Fair for use of fairgrounds (state property), and return any material contract changes to council if required.