Council reviews $25,000 supplemental appropriation to restore July 4 fireworks

Wadsworth City Council President Dan Rospert opened discussion of Ordinance No. 26-049, a supplemental appropriation request to add $25,000 to the 440 Economic Development Fund for the city’s July Fourth fireworks display. Service Director Matt Hiscock told council that the appropriation must be authorized before the city can sign a contract with a fireworks vendor, and that last year the city received roughly $4,300 in donations toward the show.

Council Member Jeanne Hines and others raised the history of merchant-funded shows and asked whether the city could solicit donations or pursue sponsorships to reduce the city’s outlay. Mayor Robin Laubaugh said the city continues to solicit donations but “there were no guarantees,” and noted donations often arrive closer to the event. Hiscock said the preferred shoot site — an unused portion of the cemetery — remains viable and warned that vendor contracts are based on a fixed show size, so adjusting the show after contracting would be difficult.

Several members suggested expanding sponsorship opportunities while Council Member Mike Reese pressed why the line had been removed from last year’s budget. Hiscock characterized the cut as discretionary and said service departments were instructed to avoid nonessential requests when the reductions were made. Council discussed possible alternatives, and Hiscock said the city has explored drone or light shows as an expensive but emerging option for celebrations.

The Clerk assigned the draft ordinance its number (Ordinance No. 26-049). No formal vote was recorded in the minutes; Council Member Jon Yurchiak agreed to sponsor the ordinance and indicated he would “suspend and call,” leaving timing of any contract to staff and the availability of donations.