City, county looking to cover fireworks show costs
Special city commission meeting called for Friday.
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CLOVIS — There may be no official Smoke on the Water public gathering at Greene Acres Park this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But Curry County and the city of Clovis may ensure there’s still a July 4 fireworks show.
The entities are considering covering the $20,000 expense for Western Fireworks to provide an Independence Day fireworks display.
The Clovis city commission called a special meeting for 5:15 p.m. Friday, with administration’s request to cover the $20,000. It’s the only item on the agenda.
After the city posted the meeting agenda, Curry County Manager Lance Pyle produced a memorandum of understanding to cover half of those costs. According to the memorandum Pyle provided to The News Thursday, the $10,000 would be $5,000 each from the commission travel budget and Pyle’s county expense account. Pyle said the commission had previously granted him the authority to sign agreements at certain levels, and he notified the commission of his intent to produce the MOU during its Wednesday special meeting.
In light of Curry County’s offer, City Manager Justin Howalt said he would amend the request to $10,000.
The fireworks show is normally covered by business and citizen donations, with Rooney Moon Broadcasting covering any funding gap. Howalt confirmed to The News that this year, the pandemic has made acquiring donations and sponsorships difficult.
The Roosevelt County Chamber of Commerce canceled its fireworks display this year for similar reasons, noting it didn’t seem right to fundraise for fireworks during tough economic times.
A message left with Rooney Moon Broadcasting was not immediately returned.
The city commission’s meeting will be available on the city’s website and Facebook page and Suddenlink Cable Channel 10. Questions may be called in during the meeting to 575-763-9200.
