Bloomfield officials cancel July 4 festival

BLOOMFIELD, Mo. -- After six years of heavily attended Independence Day festivals, the Bloomfield Board of Aldermen has elected not to host the event in 2012.

Citing budgetary restraints, the board was questioned about the celebration at Monday night's meeting and gave a final no to its sponsorship.

The fireworks display, which typically costs approximately $3,000, was not budgeted for in 2012. When the event came up for discussion in February, the board voted not to fund it.

Alderman Donna Medlin said the festival cost more than just the simple cost of the fireworks. She pointed out that the city had to give comp time and pay the city employees who worked the festival.

The board decided there were more pressing needs this year.

Mayor Scott Staggs said he was concerned about the effects of canceling the festival.

"Our local businesses will lose a significant amount of traffic," he said.

City employee Michael B. Smith said he had received a quote from the company that sells the supplies for the fireworks display and they told him the display would still be in the $3,000 range.

When he asked the board if the decision was final, they said yes.

The Park Department in the past has shouldered a portion of the cost, but its budget took a big hit this year.

In fiscal year 2010, ending last June, the park budget was $20,300. What remained at the end of the year was encumbered to fund the Independence Day festival.

The fiscal year 2011 budget was $13,500, a full $6,800 less.