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Town of Massena won't contribute to Independence Day fireworks

Posted 6/16/16

By ANDY GARDNER MASSENA -- After a brief discussion about potentially supporting an ongoing fundraiser to host a fireworks show in lieu of the canceled event at the St. Lawrence Centre, the Town …

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Town of Massena won't contribute to Independence Day fireworks

Posted

By ANDY GARDNER

MASSENA -- After a brief discussion about potentially supporting an ongoing fundraiser to host a fireworks show in lieu of the canceled event at the St. Lawrence Centre, the Town Council ultimately decided not to contribute.

“We. Can’t. Afford it,” Town Bookkeeper Nancy Fregoe said. “I would like to go on record that I protest.”

The fundraiser, started by Jessica Baxter and Kortney Trippany, seeks $10,000 by Thursday to pay for the fireworks and a community fun day.

Town Supervisor Joe Gray initially proposed chipping in $5,000 on the condition the community raise the rest. He proposed they take the money from an account with about $20,000 to be used for town promotions and tourism.

“I think it’s a nice thing to do for the community,” he said.

Councilman Albert Nicola said he thinks the town shouldn’t spend the money and predicts a tough budget process later in the year.

“I foresee this upcoming budget to be a problem,” he said. “I can see ‘you have to cut funding from this agency and this agency, but you have $5,000 for fireworks.’”