City mulls future of Fourth of July parade

Scotts Valley’s annual Fourth of July parade might be nixed this summer to save the city about $4,000 during bleak economic times.
The issue will be heard at the April 7 city council meeting scheduled for 6 p.m. at City Hall, 1 Civic Center Drive.
Councilwoman Stephany Aguilar said she requested canceling the parade because of costs and overtime requirements by the police and fire department.
“It’s hard for me to justify paying for overtime when we have staff taking furloughs,” Aguilar said.
With the exception of police officers and dispatchers, all city employees have been on a once a month furlough since September 2009.
The parade—which began in 2006 as part of the city’s 40th anniversary celebration—demands seven overtime police officers, which racks a bill of $1,700 during the event.
Because of budget constraints the fire department will charge overtime for the parade as well, which amounts to $1,321.
Cancelling the parade would also save $1,000 that would go to porta-potties and advertising.
Because of the economy, donations are harder to come by, Aguilar noted.
Aguilar said she would like to focus all donations and city costs to the Fourth of July fireworks show at Skypark that evening.
“The fireworks benefit the community and parks and recreation. A huge amount of people really enjoy that,” Aguilar said.
Aguilar said she is requesting to hold the parade every five years, starting next year, instead of annually. The parade begins near the fire station on Erba Lane and runs along Scotts Valley Drive.
“To me, it just doesn’t seem appropriate to pay for a yearly parade when we’ve laid-off staff and have furloughs,” Aguilar said. “I hope people will understand that the economy has a huge impact on our city.”
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