Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Events topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
New Albany approves 500‑drone show, enhanced fireworks for 250th anniversary; staff recommends Pyrotechnico
Summary
Council approved a contract authorization for a proposed 500‑drone show and enhanced fireworks for the nation’s 250th anniversary; staff recommended Pyrotechnico at an estimated $65,000 for drones and a bundled package between $100,000 and $131,000, funded in midyear appropriations.
The New Albany City Council approved a resolution to contract for a 500‑drone show and enhanced fireworks as part of the U.S. 250th anniversary celebrations, following staff recommendations and pricing proposals.
Legislative staff presented three vendor options and recommended using Pyrotechnico, a vendor the city has used for fireworks in prior years. “We do recommend staff recommends that we would go with Pyrotechnico,” Jolly said, adding that the firm offered the most favorable pricing for a 500‑drone show.
Staff provided cost estimates: the drone component was quoted at about $65,000 from the recommended vendor; bundled pricing that included enhanced fireworks and other event elements ranged between $100,000 and $131,000. Jolly said the city had included the expense in the midyear appropriation and recommended waiving competitive bidding because drone‑show vendors are in high demand and contractual timing can require an expedited procurement.
Council discussed show length, vendor experience and the scale of the event; staff noted a 150‑drone show previously used for a chamber event and said 500 drones would be significantly larger. The resolution passed 4–0.
Next steps: staff will finalize contracting and work within budget discussions to confirm show and fireworks scope.
