Palm Springs City Council Cancels 4th of July Fireworks

Fourth of July in Palm Springs will be much quieter this year after the Palm Springs City Council voted to pull the funding on the fireworks.

The Palm Springs City Council is having to make what they call difficult decisions to cut a $7.7 million budget deficit.

In an effort to save $35,000, the council voted 4-1 on a measure to suspend spending money on the Palm Springs 4th of July fireworks. Councilmember Lee Weigel was the only one that voted against the measure in an effort to save the fireworks.

Many showed up to Wednesday night?s meeting thinking the Palm Springs Aquatic Center might be closed because of the budget deficit. The Council made it clear it wouldn?t be. Tim Britfeller, a Palm Springs High School swimmer says, ?I?m excited it is staying open, it?s like my second home.?

Other events like the Festival of Lights Parade will be toned down this year while the Veterans Day Parade will not be affected.

The City?s budget staff recommended the City cut $4.2 million in non-safety expenses and $3.5 million in police and fire expenditures.

The soonest a budget will be approved is the first week of June. Many more meeting and dicussions will take place before other events are officially canceled. The only one right now that will not happen is the 2010 Palm Springs Fireworks.