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Commissioners decline Manchester's larger fireworks funding requests
Summary
The Board rejected a $10,000 motion for Manchester's Fourth of July fireworks for lack of a second and later voted down a $5,000 allocation, splitting the Board 2-3; commissioners raised concerns about precedent, sponsorship crowding-out and municipal water/priority equity.
Manchester Fire Chief Ben Williams asked Meriwether County commissioners for county assistance for the city's Fourth of July fireworks. Chief Williams said the event draws roughly 4,000 to 5,000 people from Manchester and neighboring counties and argued the celebration brings economic activity to the area.
Commissioner Bryan Threadgill moved to award $10,000 to Manchester; the motion received no second and therefore failed. Later, Commissioner Adam Worsley moved to provide $5,000 and was immediately seconded by Commissioner Threadgill. The motion failed on a 2-3 vote (Worsley and Threadgill in favor; Chairman Emmett Collins, Vice Chairman Jennifer Snelson and Commissioner Gene King opposed).
Opponents said they were reluctant to set a funding precedent and worried that using county taxpayer dollars could reduce private sponsorships for other county events. "If the County provides $10,000 to Manchester and then loses $10,000 in sponsorships for the Lake Meriwether fireworks, the County could find itself funding both events," Commissioner Gene King said. Commissioner Threadgill countered that Manchester receives uneven treatment and said he was "sick of it," urging fairness to the city he represents.
The Board took no additional appropriations for the Manchester event; Chief Williams said prior county contributions had been $1,000 the last two years and noted the county previously provided $10,000 several years ago.
What's next: Manchester will proceed with local fundraising and sponsorship outreach; the Board did not earmark county funds for the fireworks at this meeting.
