The Worthington City Council, during a special meeting Wednesday afternoon, decided to obtain more information before making a decision regarding fireworks that had been planned in the city for both July 3rd and 4th.
Since 2015, the City of Worthington has been shooting fireworks on both July 3rd — after the Beach Bash celebration -- and on the night of July 4th, Public Works Director Todd Wietzema explained during Wednesday's meeting. This winter, Public Works staff was informed that the city's fireworks provider, Lew’s Fireworks, had sold their business to RKM Fireworks.
City staff correspondence with RKM has revolved around finding fireworks shooters for Worthington's two nights of displays, Wietzema said. The city was recently informed that RKM would probably not be able to provide shooters for both nights this year. Council members were asked to discuss what day they'd like to see fireworks displayed on -- and how much to spend.
Wietzema said the 2025 budget allots $21,000 for this year’s fireworks, with the anticipation of two displays. Last year, about $15,500 was spent on fireworks by the city, but that was only on July 3rd. Because of the severe weather that was forecast for the 4th, that display was cancelled.
Costs for fireworks last year were up 25%, Wietzema added, and he expects them to increase again this year. He said the costs of fireworks alone may necessitate a switch to just a one-night display instead of two.
City staff will learn more about alternatives and costs for shooting off fireworks this year, though it was stressed that a decision needs to be made soon. That action could come as soon as the regular city council meeting scheduled for Monday.
In a separate matter Wednesday, the council approved an amendment to the Cross Cultural Advisory Committee bylaws that changes the needed at-large membership from eight to a minimum of five and a maximum of eight. The committee will now meet at least six times per year instead of at least once a month.
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