For years, the city of Dunkirk has asked residents, neighboring municipalities and area businesses for donations to help pay for the fireworks.
In a letter sent in recent years signed by the mayor, the city requests assistance in paying for the July Fourth light show, which is supposed to cost $30,000. For that reason alone, Dunkirk must start making the costs of the festival public.
At a finance committee meeting earlier this week, city officials broached that topic. "We need to look at this and understand the fireworks doesn't cost just 'this much' - it really costs 'this much' and we really can't know that unless we know how much city personnel is involved in it." said Stephanie Kiyak, councilwoman at-large.
Residents and businesses in our area have shown to be generous when giving to a number of causes. But it is always better if the group or organization receiving donations is transparent and open about just how much money it received from the public.
The city is in this situation and must disclose - publicly - the cost of the light show.
