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Basehor staff propose MOU to fund 2026 fireworks; city budgets $20,000
Summary
City administrators presented a draft MOU to fund a professional fireworks display with Basehor Community Volunteers at the Field of Dreams; staff proposed guardrails (site map, pre/post walkthrough, fire department presence) and suggested the community could retain leftover funds up to the $20,000 allocation.
City administration presented a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to formalize the relationship between Basehor City and Basehor Community Volunteers for the 2026 fireworks display.
Leslie Riverola, city administrator, said the fireworks historically have been run by the volunteer group, not the city, and described the MOU as a way to provide funding and basic oversight while keeping the event volunteer-run. "We have budgeted $20,000 for fireworks," Riverola said, adding the money was proposed to cover the cost of a professional display and associated requirements.
Riverola outlined substantive changes staff proposed for the MOU: remove language tying the city to the parade, require an approved site map for detonation locations, and require pre- and post-event walkthroughs to document facility condition. She said the Field of Dreams site is available and can support the size of the event but that certain parade activities would not be possible at that location.
A representative of Basehor Community Volunteers said fireworks costs in recent years have been about $15,000 to $16,000, and volunteers discussed potential fundraising options including voluntary digital donations. Council member Sherry asked about other costs: insurance, a professional pyrotechnics operator and whether the city would charge rent (staff said the city would provide the location for free) and confirmed the fire department must be present.
Council members discussed alternatives for managing funds (one suggestion was an upfront half-payment with final payment after requirements are met). City staff said they could place the MOU on the consent agenda for the next meeting if the council reached consensus.
No final contract was signed at the meeting; staff sought direction to place the draft MOU on a future consent agenda for a vote.
