Parma Cancels Fourth Of July Fireworks

PARMA, Ohio -- The city of Parma has canceled its annual Fourth of July fireworks in a continuing effort to cut spending.
Donations usually cover the cost of the fireworks, which are displayed at the western campus of Cuyahoga Community College. But this year, Mayor Dean DePiero says the city only collected $16,000 of the necessary $25,000.
DePiero says the real issue, however, is the cost of overtime holiday pay for police, fire, and other city employees.
"That pushes our total cost anywhere from between $40,000 to $50,000. We simply cannot afford it, and we would never invite a large crowd into our community if there was any question of adequate safety," said DePiero.
"I know canceling the fireworks this year is disappointing to our residents," said Mayor DePiero. "And I'm disappointed, too. This was a tough call that I had to make in order to try and stabilize our city budget. The bottom line is we can't spend money we don't have," said DePiero.
The city of Parma recently announced an income tax revenue shortfall of approximately $2.4 million. Non-union city employees are taking a total of 16 unpaid days off from now until the end of the year. The mayor is negotiating with nine city unions, asking its membership for the same agreements. The mayor and members of his administration are among those included in the furlough plan.
The Parma July 4 parade will go on as scheduled.

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