Elgin approves funding for Northwest Fourth-Fest

Elgin City Council members approved contributing $15,000 cash and $7,000 in personnel costs for the joint Fourth of July celebration with Hoffman Estates, Hanover Park and Hanover Township on Wednesday.

The council indicated its support for the Northwest Fourth-Fest partnership in March and approved the funding at its latest meeting. The cash contribution will go toward “the largest fireworks display in the northwest suburban area,” according to a memo to council members.

Elgin must also provide four police officers July 4, fire department paramedic services throughout the event, and supervision for restitution workers on July 3, 5 and 8. The city must also provide six local performers.

Councilman John Prigge was the only council member to oppose the $22,000 expenditure, saying it doesn’t make sense for Elgin to pay for an event happening outside of town that residents can attend with or without the city’s contribution.

Prigge approved the $15,000 payment in March but said Elgin personnel should stay in Elgin, especially on a night where the police force sees higher calls for fireworks complaints.

“I don’t want to see our guys leave,” Prigge said. “We’ve already identified problems here in the city of Elgin when it comes to that night.”

Other council members indicated support for the intergovernmental cooperation. Mayor David Kaptain said this year was a trial run with potential for more involvement next year. In response to Prigge’s criticism that Elgin would not share in any revenues from the carnival or food vendors, Kaptain said there is space to change things for next year.

“If we want to make it into a bigger event, we can negotiate with Hoffman Estates,” Kaptain said. “We became a partner in March in an event they had already started to plan.”

Hoffman Estates estimates spending about $100,000 during the four-day event. Hanover Township is contributing $5,000, and Hanover Park is adding another $10,000; both municipalities are responsible for various personnel.

If all four governments are interested, planning for the 2013 festival will start right away through a more formal committee.