Fox Lake gives $1,000 for Chain fireworks display

The village of Fox Lake will contribute $1,000 to the Chain O' Lakes Fireworks committee to help fund the Fourth of July fireworks display over the lake.

While wrestling with their own municipal budget problems, village board members approved the donation Tuesday night, saying it would be in the best interests of the village.

"I understand that these are hard economic times, but the fireworks have been an important event for our village," Trustee Nancy Koske said. "This is an honorable thing to do."

The village delivered on a promise to support the fireworks committee's efforts to bring the show back to the namesake lake after some public outcry was voiced against last year's inland site.

"We've made a commitment and we should support them in some way," Trustee Valerie Griseta said. "But lets be sure to monitor how this money is spent."

Trustee Jon Mumford offered the only dissent to the board consensus, saying it would be a "slap in the face" to quote a dollar amount for contribution. He offered other options for fundraising, including a voluntary donation option on Fox Lake utility bills.

"Given the current state of our budget, the community would understand if we didn't donate to the fireworks," Mumford said.

On Tuesday night, the board also approved a roughly $7.7 million spending plan for 2009-10, which includes a $265,000 deficit. The board is studying options to close that gap.

Despite the deficit, several trustees said supporting the fireworks is in the best economical and general long-term interests of the village.

"We can't 'short-sheet' our village or else tumbleweeds will start rolling through here," Trustee Greg Murrey said. "This is a big bang for the community, and a reason people spend their holiday here."

Chain O' Lakes Fireworks Chairman Tim Triggs expressed gratitude for the village's support.

"We know that they are in a rough spot financially so we really do appreciate their donation," Triggs said. "Anything that we get for now on just makes the show bigger and better."

Visitors can expect a 20- to 25-minute show at a cost of $20,000 to $25,000, Triggs said.

Although village board's donation is small considering the fireworks committee's original goal of $35,000, building commissioner Bill Hart said the gesture represents its dedication to the fireworks.

"Unfortunately, this year the village budget was tight and the contribution was limited, but at least there was some effort to help the group that is putting on the fireworks," Hart said. "The fireworks bring people to town which helps the local businesses. That is important."