City pitches in to fund fireworks display

Staff Report
In a split vote, Newkirk city commissioners decided last month to pitch in $2,500 for a fireworks display at the Newkirk Country Club.
The commission discussed the spending request and voted at its March 23 meeting. Richard Hinthorn made the request for an event he is helping organize to bring back a community fireworks celebration.
He discussed plans for the upcoming fireworks event, including insurance, permitting, funding, and overall feasibility, according to minutes for the March 23 meeting. Hinthorn said $3 million insurance policy provided by the fireworks wholesaler will cost approximately 10% of the total fireworks purchase and will cover the fireworks, Hinthorn as the producer, and the event itself. The city can rely on its own liability insurance.
Hinthorn will handle permits through the State Fire Marshal at a cost of $250, and Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms paperwork was underway.
Storage arrangements have been completed, Hinthorn has established an LLC for the event. Current funding totals at the time were $6,500, including a $5,000 contribution from Rock and Brews Casino and support from an anonymous donor, according to the minutes.
Two sponsors have withdrawn while waiting for confirmation of city involvement. Hinthorn said he is contributing a significant amount of his own time and money.
Citizen Austin Gregory offered to cover the approximately $500 cost of materials for the launch platform, which will be reusable in future years. Hinthorn also is preparing a detailed invoice to document expenses and help guide budgeting for future events.
The proposed event date is the Saturday before the Fourth of July. Hinthorn said he intends for the event to remain free to the public, though there was discussion about possibly charging a small fee, such as $1 per car, to begin building funds for next year.
The chamber and Main Street have offered volunteer support. Some commissioners raised concern about city’s current financial constraints and whether donating this year would be responsible, but in the end two commissioners, Joe Anderson and Jack Bagg, voted to provide the $2,500 directly to the fireworks supplier to support the event this year and provide a foundation going forward. Mayor Kelle Johnson voted no.