Council weighs bigger fireworks for 250th; staff told to pursue $1,500 grant

Beaver City — The council discussed whether to increase spending for the July 4 fireworks display to mark the 250th anniversary. The item, presented as agenda item 8, included a staff memorandum outlining last year’s cost and projected increases due to supplier price changes.

Council member Auxier explained that a potential grant of $1,500 is available to offset higher prices but requires display of a 250th logo in town. “The grant seemed pretty simple,” Auxier said. Council members debated whether to increase the city’s contribution and whether to coordinate timing or combine events with a county‑sponsored celebration near Myersville Reservoir.

Options discussed included splitting an additional $3,500 between the July 4 show and an Aug. 20 show, or rounding that figure up to $4,000. No formal appropriation was adopted at the meeting; the council directed staff to apply for the grant and to bring back firm cost estimates and an order timeline given supplier backorders.

What’s next: Staff will apply for the $1,500 grant and return with a recommendation on the city’s additional appropriation and ordering schedule.