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Highlands Ranch staff recommend canceling July 4 fireworks amid drought risk; funds to support July 2 concert
Summary
General Manager Stephanie Stanley told the Highlands Ranch Metropolitan District board staff recommended canceling the July 4 fireworks because of drought concerns; Douglas County and the Highlands Ranch Community Association back the move and staff proposed reallocating funds to an enhanced community concert on July 2 at Highlands Heritage Park.
General Manager Stephanie Stanley recommended canceling the District's July 4 fireworks display because of drought conditions and uncertainty about safely staging the event, and said both Douglas County and the Highlands Ranch Community Association support the cancellation. Stanley said staff propose reallocating the budgeted funds toward an enhanced community concert on July 2 at Highlands Heritage Park.
The board expressed support for the proactive decision, discussing the fire risk, public-safety communications and budget impacts. Stanley told the board staff will coordinate with partners on planning and public messaging and noted potential cost savings from reduced event expenses.
Board members asked about alternative community-event options and budget implications; staff said coordination would continue with partner organizations. The matter was presented as a staff recommendation for discussion and direction; a formal adoption of cancellation or an official delegateable authorization was not recorded in the study session notes and will be addressed in subsequent meeting materials as needed.
