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There has been some talk around
town about my position on our “now annual” Anniversary
Party. We used to commemorate our town’s anniversary in
a big celebration every five years. On the off years we
had a small block party. This block party fit into our
Borough’s $10,000 budget for all Public Events.
In 2005 we had allotted
$20,000 for all Public Events. The date coincided with
the Seafood Fest that the Fire Department ran as one of
their fundraisers. It was a very successful event and
also helped create some wonderful PR for the volunteer
Fire Department besides the profits from their food and
beer garden. Additions in the expenses were mainly from
the activities for the children of our community. In the
past it was more centered on the adults.
Last year in January 2006 it
had been decided we should continue the same celebration
that we had for our 90th anniversary. When
we were discussing this in July,
I had done some research on what
other neighboring towns spent for their festivals. A lot
of towns had a smaller budget and either fundraised the
remainder or was sponsored by businesses in their towns.
This planning began long before the date of their
function. Since we have not been able to approve a
budget until June or July, I was concerned about the
total amount spent so early in the year. The 2006 budget
had $10,000 listed in the Public Events budget. Being
chairperson of the Property Committee I was concerned
for unexpected costs for the remainder of the year. Just
like homeowners expenses I have the entire Borough’s
utilities, gasoline for the vehicles and maintenance on
all the buildings equipment.
I did not approve of the
$16,000 amount spent on the current anniversary
party and had heard that from many residents who did not
attend the celebration. I did not at any point say that
we should NOT have an anniversary party but that we
should consider how much we are taking from other
departments to cover the costs of this one event. I will
always support our fine volunteer Fire and EMS
Departments and purchase whatever items they sell
throughout the year. As for the anniversary party
perhaps we can learn from the WHH&SA fall fundraiser
that raised $10,500 through a unique sale of tickets for
an Eagles road trip with tickets.
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