Tuesday night, the Antioch City Council unanimously voted to spend $15,000 towards a sponsorship for the 4th of July Celebration being organized by the Celebrate Antioch Foundation.
This years event includes a parade, activities for youth and family, and opportunities for business involvement. The event concludes with a display fireworks presentation visible throughout the region.
According to Wayne Harrison, foundation president, they have raised about 50% of the funds needed for the event. He highlighted Celebrate Antioch took over this event in 2010 and the fireworks brought back in 2012 when the city could not. They were now looking for a collaborative effort.
“We want to continue doing what we are doing and bring the best event we could possibly bring but would like the city to join us a little more,” said Harrison.
Mayor Wade Harper, who brought the item to the council for discussion, stated the City has partnered with Celebrate Antioch because they provide the police services and the comment they had not partnered bothered him.
“There was police overtime and at one time the police were doing the double-day Wednesdays. Every time an officer is used that has a cost to it,” said Harper. “Everything has a cost. You may not see those costs because no one is giving you a bill, but the city is a partner and has partnered.”
Harper credited Celebrate Antioch with fundraising but noted there had been some challenges.
“It’s tough raising funds,” said Harper. “Not enough money has come in and this is a City sponsored event and as we work with them in the future the process is going to get better but right now they need help to put on this event and celebrate our city. I’d like to be a city that celebrates the 4th of July event.
Harper stated that he would like the City to fund $15,000 to sponsor the event. The council agreed with the request.
Fiscal Impact:
The Antioch Police Department estimates its costs associated with this event will be approximately $20,475 based on past experience. The Public Works Department estimates its costs for this event will be approximately $8,100 based on prior experience. These costs for this event were absorbed in overtime budgets in fiscal year 2014-15 and are included in overtime budgets for fiscal year 2015-16 proposed budget.
According to City Manager Steve Duran, the $15k donation was on top of money the city is already provided which was accounted in the budget since the City has a history of participating in the events.
Celebrate Antioch Foundation
Celebrate Antioch Foundation is dedicated to continuing the celebration of our country’s birthday which also coincides with the anniversary of the naming of our city, Antioch, on July 4th, 1851. It is the hope of our organization to expand our scope to include other family-friendly community celebrations to help bring together the multi-cultural and diverse residents of East Contra Costa County.
The foundation is still seeking donations and sponsors. For more information, visit www.celebrateantioch.org
For photos of the 2014 Parade, click here.
4 comments
Are you serious? The city is falling apart and they throw 15 grand on top of thousands that admittedly will be a hit on city services for this event?
Great going Mayor Harper. No money for policing but all bets are off when it comes to a party, right?
Anything for a party right Mr. Mayor? I guess $15k is the cost of doing a photo op huh? Shame on this council. Police and code enforcement is where moneys should be going, not to a party! I applaud the Foundation but they need to be the ones finding this money,not having the city provide it.
It’s time to retire Wade Harper.
It’s time to start donating to the NAACP! Every person deserves a decent living. Minimum wage should start at $35 an hour in Antioch.
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