Scotts Valley’s Fourth of July parade is a go this summer, thanks to donations from four local businesses that will cover the $4,000 price tag.
The annual holiday parade was nearly nixed at this week’s Scotts Valley City Council meeting as a money-saving move.
However, Mike Keough of Keough Properties; Russ and Kevin Pratt of Scotts Valley Square and Kings Village shopping centers; the Scarborough family of Scarborough Lumber; and Bill Brooks of Brooks Properties, each donated $1,000 to cover the parade costs.
City leaders said the $10,000 fireworks display, separate from the parade, will be covered by admission fees, corporate donations and Parks and Recreation Advocates, a nonprofit group.
The Scotts Valley fireworks show is the only legal display in Santa Cruz County.
Councilwoman Stephany Aguilar said she had asked to cancel the parade because of costs and overtime requirements by the police and fire departments.
The parade, which began in 2006 as part of the city’s 40th anniversary celebration, demands seven overtime police officers, which racks up a bill of $1,700 during the event.
Fire crews also earn overtime covering the parade, which amounts to $1,321. Another $1,000 is needed for portable toilets and advertising.
“It’s hard for me to justify paying for overtime when we have staff taking furloughs,” Aguilar said. “I hope people will understand that the economy has a huge impact on our city.”
With the exception of police officers and dispatchers, all city employees have been forced to take an unpaid workday each month since September 2009.
But Aguilar and the rest of the council were delighted to hear about the donations that will keep the parade afloat.
Vice Mayor Dene Bustichi said the donations are a reflection that, even in hard times, the community is a priority.
