As the financial future of our fair city hangs in the balance, it seems that Mayor Dave Bing is pulling out every stop he can to free up some money. This is understood, but unfortunately, it seems that with this huge budget deficit, Detroiters are in danger of losing some of the signature events and holiday traditions that we look forward to each year. According to the Detroit Free Press, on Friday, Mayor Bing announced that “the city is unable to sustain the public safety and public works costs associated with regional events held in the city beyond this year’s fireworks without outside help.” Bing has already appealed to Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties along with the Michigan State Police, to assist in funding the 54th Annual Target Fireworks, scheduled for June 25 and costing an estimated $700,000.
“The city’s current fiscal operating structure, starting with the budget as approved for fiscal year 2012-13 on July 1, no longer includes the costs for these regional events,” according to a statement from the mayor’s office. “As such, we will actively engage the Parade Company and our regional partners to discuss the financial sustainability of events like the fireworks and the Thanksgiving Day parade in the future.”
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