Politics & Government
Safety Harbor's Fireworks Display Could Fizzle Out Due to Budget Cuts
City leaders say the Fourth of July fireworks are among potential cuts due to a budget shortfall. How do you feel about that?
Faced with a budget shortfall of more than $600,000, Safety Harbor leaders could be forced to scrap the city's annual fireworks display in an effort to cut expenses.
City Manager Matt Spoor said Safety Harbor's Fourth of July fireworks, which cost $24,600, are on the list of potential cuts that would lop $352,970 off the city's $13.1 million general fund expenses.
"I don't want the fireworks to go away," Commissioner Nancy Besore said at a recent meeting. "Our nation's birthday is huge. I will be very sad if we ditch the fireworks."
The other commissioners agreed, but suggested coming up with a solution that could be beneficial to all.
"I'd would like to see us not do away with the fireworks, but revamp the that way we do it," Vice Mayor Nina Bandoni said. "We could have one or several sponsors...or have various charges for events that go on down there."
Other potential cuts include changes to city employee health benefits ($95,800) and cutting the traffic patrol deputy ($103,340).
What do you think of the possibility of the fireworks being cut? Is there something else you'd cut from the city budget? Post a comment below and join the conversation.
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