City Council approves $3650 for fireworks display

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - The Mobile City Council approves spending for Fourth of July fireworks.

One council member said anything less than a yes vote would be unpatriotic.

Celebrating our nation's independence usually involves a lot of fireworks displays. And this year, it appears will be no different for the City of Mobile.

"Any recognition that brings great credit upon those who have served this nation to make it what it is today will get my full support, at the cost of some other things," said City Councilman John Williams. "Anything short of a yes vote, in my opinion, is someone who does not value the nation's independence and our freedom."

Following that speech, six council members voted in favor of spending $3,600 on fireworks for the city’s annual Fourth of July celebration.

Councilwoman Bess Rich abstained from voting.

Some residents have questioned the spending. After all, every penny counts when you're faced with a budget deficit.

"We still have to operate a community. We do not want to send the message that Mobile can't provide basic functions for its citizens. We are not in that position," said Mobile Mayor Sam Jones.

Jones said the city got a deal on the fireworks; an $18,000 contract for the price of $3,600.

He said it’s to make up for the bad weather during the New Year's Eve fireworks show.

Jones added the city "feels comfortable" with the $3,600 price tag.

"(The) $18,000 that was budgeted for would have caused us some problem because we've been cutting back on a lot of things, reducing our budget. When we got to $3,600, we felt comfortable with that. We don't have to find additional money to make that happen," said Jones.

He also said that isn't the biggest expense for the night it's the police and fire overtime.

"Overtime is already budgeted. Doesn't matter who pays for the fireworks. With the number of people attending, we have to have public safety presence over there," said Jones.

Mayor Jones estimated $25,000 was budgeted for the overtime.