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Council approves $60,000 for Tiverton Celebrates fireworks; debate over casino funds and replacements continues
Summary
The council voted to fund $60,000 for the Tiverton Celebrates fireworks and block party and directed the administrator to work with the treasurer to identify the $42,826 remaining balance, debating use of casino 'power plant' funds and contingency borrowing pending tax‑treaty receipts.
The Tiverton Town Council voted March 23 to fund $60,000 for the 2026 Tiverton Celebrates fireworks and block‑party program, after extended debate about the source of the funds. Councilors discussed using 'casino' or power‑plant dollars earmarked for civic events and the legal risk of borrowing against an expected tax‑treaty payment that the town has not yet received.
"This money is coming to us. It has to come to us legally," a councilor said while noting the town has a written agreement with the casino to receive recurring tax‑treaty payments; another councilor cautioned that the revenue is not guaranteed and that borrowing against it could be risky. The council ultimately approved the $60,000 and directed the administrator to work with the treasurer to find the $42,826 balance and return with accounting and, if necessary, a resolution to reimburse any interim source.
Councilors and recreation officials described the fireworks as a community centerpiece that draws residents and local business support; recreation staff also said some event costs can be offset with fundraising and on‑site donations in future years. The council did not specify a final funding line in the meeting minutes but voted to proceed and sign contract(s) with the event vendor as needed.
