IPod delvers savings at Fourth of July event

One suburb's use of an iPod helped conserve about $4,000 in public money originally budgeted for music at a Fourth of July fireworks show.

Gurnee's assistant to the village administrator, Patrick Muetz, said it was nothing personal toward the Northbrook audio and production company that provided music at the 2006 event at Warren Township High School's O'Plaine Road campus.

But Muetz said he decided to take a chance on the iPod last month because he has friends who were satisfied with their decisions to save money by skipping disc jockeys at their weddings and instead use the gizmos.

"While bringing in a professional audio company would probably sound better, would it sound $4,000 better and be noticeable by those in attendance?" Muetz said. "I don't think so."

Greg Koeppen, a disc jockey and owner of Grayslake's Medleys in Motion, said there is more than music behind his part-time gig. Koeppen has worked municipal events in Wheeling and Grayslake, synchronizing fireworks and music.

"I bring a personality, not just a play list. I think that's the important thing," said Koeppen, adding that Medleys in Motion charges less than $4,000 for an event.

About 9,000 people heard Gurnee's free iPod tunes over a public-address system that piped music throughout Warren High's property for the Fourth of July extravaganza.

Muetz said he received help from the village's information systems department in assembling a mix of about 55 patriotic, classic rock and country songs that covered 3½ hours. He said he used compact discs from his personal collection as well as those from friends and coworkers.

Beyond saving cash, said Muetz, the village controlled what type of music was played and when at the fireworks show, which had a $30,000 total budget. He said that ensured only appropriate music was heard by the crowd.

"I would definitely recommend it to other communities if they are looking to save some money," said Muetz, who recently issued a Fourth of July financial report to the Gurnee village board.

Gurnee Mayor Kristina Kovarik said she's consistently impressed by Muetz and other village staffers who come up ideas on how to save public funds.

"It's good to point out to the residents we're not always looking to spend more money," Kovarik said.