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Board approves $5,000 annual county contribution for Fourth of July fireworks
Summary
The Board voted unanimously to add $5,000 annually to the Chamber of Commerce budget to help cover rising fireworks costs for the Fourth of July celebration; the Chamber said the fireworks vendor billed $39,600 this year and is negotiating an MOU with the county to clarify spending.
The Del Norte County Board of Supervisors voted to add a $5,000 annual contribution to the Chamber of Commerce to help fund the county's professional Fourth of July fireworks show.
Cindy, speaking for the Chamber of Commerce, told the board the fireworks bill this year is $39,600 and asked the city and county to each contribute $5,000 annually to help cover rising costs driven by tariffs and vendor price increases. "This year, our bill for the fireworks alone is $39,600," Cindy said, adding that the Chamber is developing a memorandum of understanding to clarify how county funds will be spent.
Board members supported the request as a tourism investment and noted the event generates substantial transient-occupancy-tax (TOT) revenue. One supervisor said the county should ensure the city pays its share because most TOT is collected within city limits. Public commenters praised the event's economic benefit but urged the board to consider ongoing inflation and long-term funding needs.
The board moved and unanimously approved adding the $5,000 annual contribution to the Chamber's budget. Staff said the Chamber and city will continue drafting an MOU that outlines spending and reporting.
What's next: County staff and the Chamber will finalize an MOU and present details to the board at a future meeting.
