“It doesn’t take a majority to win, just a tireless minority that will keep starting brush fires in the mind and hearts of their fellow men.”

Samuel Adams

Monday, June 25, 2012

Fundraising Starts For Peru Fireworks « AM1220 WLPO News

Fundraising Starts For Peru Fireworks « AM1220 WLPO News

6 comments:

Sherry Mayszak said...

Rodney was at Hy-Vee from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. selling 50/50 tickets. The amount of time he gives to this city is incredible! Go Rodney! You're doing a GREAT job!

Linda said...

This is a wonderful and ambitious idea alderman Perez and a step in the right direction. However, what will happen to the $20,000 already budgeted to the recreation commission for the fireworks? Will they still get to keep that money in their budget and spend it as they see fit? Who will be in charge of the fireworks and who will go out for bid (since we already know we can get more bang for less buck)?

Anonymous said...

Linda,

The purpose of raising funds is to break-away that cost of the "Fireworks."
The recreation committee currently gets the $50,000.00 along with the annual-council approved $25,000.00 transfered from the general fund. "I stated for the record my opposition to that transfer of the $25,000.00 during the approval of this years budget."

Whether or not the additional $25,000.00 is transfered soley for the fireworks is un-clear; due to the commission can spend as they see fit. The only time the council steps in to control how spending is managed is when a project, or bid of $20,000.00 or more is needed.
The only other time the council has a say is during the fiscal year budget approval to give those additional funds, unless of course the ordinance gets revised of the commissions "Power of Duties."

To answer your question: My stance is to free up the $20,000.00 and use it where needed.In My Opinion.. If we are going to blow up $20,000.00 in 18-22 minutes we should use money raised through donations.. such as the Adopt-A- Boom Campaign. ( 50/50 etc. )

Our parks need many improvements. if the council continues to approve the transfer after we free up, or reduce the $20,000.00
We would hope the commission will choose to spend accordingly.

I understand your, and others frustration Linda. However,I do believe we are working to make a change in ordinances so the council will have more say of how funds are spent by commissions, such as parks.

Because we don't agree with how things are being done, or, if we keep speculating the worse case scenarios.. then we will never move forward.
We all want better for Peru, but if we keep standing still and only voicing our disatisfaction then we will be having this same conversation 5 years from now.

With that said!..We should make a plan, move forward, then work to move those barriers when we get to them.
Keeping a positive attidude, with a proactive movement is the only way we will continue our move forward.

Thanks!
and Thank you too Sherry.

Rodney Perez
815-245-7566

Anonymous said...

Linda,

We are currently looking into the last part of your question in regards to bidding FW; as Pyrotechs need maximum notice to bid and schedule. This procedure needs to take place each fall for the following year.

Thank you!
Rodney Perez

Linda said...

Thank you Rodney for your time and effort and for answering questions.

Anonymous said...

You got to love this little love fest. If they were serious about having private funds pay for the fireworks then the tandem should vote to remove tax paid fireworks. Are the 50/50 tickets numbered? And accounted for?