The Fourth of July fireworks show is now fully funded.
During today’s meeting, the Development Corporation of Snyder (DCOS) board of directors approved donating $4,125 for the event, which will be held in Towle Park on July 4. But future funding from the DCOS isn’t a given.
In making the motion to make the donation, board member Michael Hoyle said spending DCOS funds for the fireworks show does not create jobs.
“I am struggling that this is how our money is being spent,” Hoyle said before offering the motion.
New board Kim Robertson offered the second, but said the chamber should look for donations from local businesses.
The motion passed 2-0. Board vice chairman Dennis Westmoreland presided over the meeting and did not vote. Board chairman Mark McClain and member Melissa Petty were not in attendance.
Chamber President/Chief Executive Officer Linda Molina said the chamber sent out requests for donations, but received little from businesses.
“The economy is down right now and it is harder to ask,” she said. “It has been difficult to get sponsors, even for the (West Texas) western swing (festival).”
Westmoreland asked if hotel occupancy tax (HOT) funds could be used to fund the fireworks show. City Manager Merle Taylor said the state has ruled organizers of fireworks shows and Christmas light tours cannot use HOT funds.
“Fireworks are not a two-day event, so it doesn’t qualify as heads in beds,” Taylor said of the first priority in using HOT funds for events.
Hoyle asked if HOT funds could be used because Snyder has a two-day event for the Fourth of July.
“Fireworks will not ever qualify (for HOT funds),” Molina said.
The Snyder City Council and Board of County Development (BCD) will join the DCOS and chamber in sponsoring the fireworks show this year.
The BCD agreed to donate $4,150, but Molina said the chamber will only accept $4,125. The chamber is using money from its general fund for its portion of the sponsorship, she said.
This is the third year for the four-way partnership.
The local American Legion post had sponsored the fireworks show, but due to financial reasons had to cancel its sponsorship.
Molina said the chamber has signed the contract with the Western Enterprises, Inc., for the fireworks. The company carries a $5 million insurance policy to cover damages.
The Snyder Fire Marshal’s Office has signed off on the contract, Molina said.