Finance committee approves multi-year contract with Kiwanis Club for Fourth of July events

The Santa Fe Finance Committee voted unanimously to approve a multi‑year professional services contract with the Kiwanis Club of Santa Fe to produce the city’s Fourth of July celebrations.

The contract listed in the meeting packet carries a total figure of $885,507 through April 15, 2030. Councilor Castro pressed staff for greater clarity on the full cost to taxpayers, noting the contract covers event coordination while other public‑safety and operational costs — police, fire, traffic control, road closures and staff time — are borne by the city. "This is a contract for 4 years. In my understanding, going forward, a total of $800,000 for the event coordinating, but there is some additional costs around fire, police, other resources that are not included in the dollar amount," Castro said.

Acting finance director and deputy city manager (staff) told the committee the packet amount is an "up to" figure and described flexible options inside the contract, including a fireworks‑only show, a hybrid fireworks‑and‑drone show, or a drone‑only presentation with pyrotechnic effects. "My understanding is that this is an up to amount... it does provide options within that in different cost breakdown for a fireworks only show, a hybrid show... or a fully, drone, provided show with pyrotechnic effects," the staff member said, adding that the city carries costs for traffic control and police presence and that special‑events staff will be involved.

Committee members asked staff to return with a fuller cost and revenue accounting for city‑sponsored events — including how permit and vendor revenues (for example, ticketing or beer gardens) flow back to the city — and a breakdown of estimated staff hours. Councilor Bustamante pointed to packet estimates of roughly 200 man‑hours spread across police, fire, streets and other departments.

After the questions, Councilor Bustamante moved to approve the contract; the motion was seconded and carried on roll call with Councilor Cassett, Councilor Castro, Councilor Garcia, Councilor Bustamante and Chair Faulkner voting yes.

The committee directed staff to prepare a more detailed information packet for a future finance committee meeting that will include estimated expenditures, revenues and the operational impacts of different event options.