Olive Branch, MS—
Fast facts
- July 4th Celebration is Olive Branch's biggest
- Residents concerned over expenditure in tight economic times
- City Leaders Cite Morale Boost
dennis.turner@wreg.com
(Olive Branch, MS 6/24/2009) Times may be tight all over, but not necessarily in Olive Branch, Mississippi.
City leaders just more than tripled the amount to be spent on the city's July 4th Celebration.
Call it the fireworks, overfire works.
When Olive Branch Administratiors more than tripled the amount it wanted to spend for the city's huge fourth of July bash, it lit a fuse.
What's Indpendence day without Fireworks? In Olive Branch, folks head to the city park for one of the best shows around. "It's wonderful, it's great!" "Is it 35-thousand dollars great?" "um well not necessarily." said Kimberly Brigance of Olive Branch.
$35,000 is how much the city's board of aldermen voted to spend on this year's celebration. Some taxpayers here aren't sure such an expensive party is a good idea these days. "My family is having to cut back like everybody else these days Yes, oh yes, definitely". said Jennifer Sturgeon.
And at least two aldermen agreed, but the increased amount passed on a 5 to 2 vote
The Fourth of July Celebration is said to be the biggest event of the year in Olive Branch.
So, how much does the biggest event of the year cost? Up until the last board meeting, the budget was 10-thousand dollars.
Why did the Olive Branch board of Aldermen vote to boost that amount by 25 grand?
Alderman-elect Susan Johnson says since a lot of people can't afford a summer vacation this year, the city is helping take some of the boredom out of staying at home. "I think it's important for us to provide as many things to the citizens as we can. I know we're all in a tight budget and people here may have hard times. But if we can provide something for our citizens I think that's the way we should look at that." said Johnson.
And I'm told that's much the same argument those voting to spend the extra money, used.
But some taxpayers say that explanation lands like a bomb. "I think we're in a crunch time here and that kinda seems a lot of extra money to spend on the 4th of July.' said Brigance. " and I mean, I'm sure it's a good celebration, but that's a lot of money for fireworks." added Sturgeon.
A source in the fireworks business says it's his understanding 10-thousand dollars would pay for a decent 30 minute show. 35-thousand, would at least triple that.
But, that money will also pay for a band, the set up for the event, and probably even crowd control. I'm told not all of that money will go up in smoke.
