Downey considering $90K fireworks show (UPDATED)

Photo by Joan Anderson, DowneyDailyPhotos.com

UPDATE: The City Council postponed a decision until a later time.

DOWNEY – The City Council on Tuesday will consider spending $90,000 on a 20-minute fireworks show this summer to celebrate Downey's 60th anniversary of incorporation. 

If approved, the free community event would be held July 2 at Downey High School. 

In a report to council members, city officials predicted costs for the event would run about $90,000, including $33,000 for live acts and equipment; $7,000 for supplies and decorations; $12,000 for marketing and advertising; $17,500 for staffing; and $20,000 for the pyrotechnics. 

Council members are contemplating the fireworks show at the same time they're polling residents about a potential ballot measure to increase the local sales tax. 

Citing the need for a parks overhaul and more police officers, the city council has paid $26,750 for telephone surveys asking registered voters how they feel about funding a sales tax increase. 

The Downey Unified School District’s Measure O (2014) and Measure D (2002) are already costing local homeowners $248 million and $65 million respectively. Residents are also financing a $350 million bond passed in 2012 to upgrade facilities at Cerritos College.

Staff writer Christian Brown contributed to this report.