DELTA TOWNSHIP, Mich. — Delta Township officials have canceled the annual July 3rd fireworks display due to financial constraints from the Bank Drain project and the failure of a public safety millage.
- Delta Township officials canceled the July 3rd fireworks display, citing the $34,650 cost amid financial constraints from the $60 million Bank Drain project and a failed public safety millage.
- Residents like Ruth Malloy expressed disappointment, calling the fireworks "the one time a year everyone wants to come together with family and celebrate our independence."
- Watch video below to hear Township Supervisor Fonda Brewer explain why "horrible" decisions like this are necessary as the township faces potential law enforcement layoffs when their patrol contract expires in September.
The decision to cancel the fireworks was made at Monday night’s board meeting, with township officials citing the $34,650 contract cost and staffing shortages in the police and fire departments.
According to the contract with Night Magic Displays, the cancellation cost will be 40% of the $34,650, which is around $14,0000.
WATCH VIDEO
"I can understand the underlying reasons, but to cancel it altogether I don't think that's fair," said Ruth Malloy, a Lansing resident.
Malloy expressed disappointment about the recommendation before the meeting.
"It's the one time a year everyone wants to come together with family and celebrate our independence," she said.
Township officials pointed to two major factors behind the cancellation. The township's $13 million stake in the $60 million Bank Drain project has created significant financial pressure. Additionally, the recent failure of the public safety millage has impacted their ability to provide adequate law enforcement.
The Delta patrol contract is set to expire in September. If no agreement is reached, all law enforcement staff will face layoffs, though finding a solution would be costly.
"Whatever we come up with to address the public safety needs here is going to be a financial issue," said a township official at the meeting.
Township supervisor Fonda Brewer explained that difficult decisions like canceling the fireworks display are necessary under the current circumstances.
"Horrible, it doesn't feel good, there are families that come out to this event every year, they love it, I love it, but we have to pick and choose because we're gonna need dollars," Brewer said.
Despite the decision, some residents remain hopeful that an alternative solution can be found.
"It's important and I think they should find a way somehow to figure it out," Malloy said.
This story was reported by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
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