To: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
From: ELIZABETH HAUSE, COMMUNITY SERVICES DIRECTOR
TITLE
title
ADOPT BY 4/5THS VOTES AND TITLE ONLY, RESOLUTION NO. CC-2503-015 OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF REDONDO BEACH, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING A FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025 BUDGET MODIFICATION TO APPROPRIATE $128,000 FROM UNALLOCATED GENERAL FUND BALANCE, OFFSET BY EVENT SPONSORSHIP COMMITMENTS, FOR THE PROCUREMENT OF SERVICES FOR THE 2025 FOURTH OF JULY FIREWORKS DISPLAY
end
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
During the Midyear Budget review process, the City Council evaluated options for a Fourth of July fireworks display. The Council voted to tentatively proceed with the event, contingent upon further research into potential landside locations and final cost estimates.
At the March 11, 2025, Council meeting, staff presented updated cost information for the fireworks display which included a new barge provider and event sponsorship commitments from several waterfront area businesses. The revised total cost for the display is $128,000, a reduction from the original estimate of approximately $200,000. Sponsorship contributions totaling $45,000 will offset this expense, resulting in a net impact of roughly $83,000 to the City's General Fund. Council directed staff to return on March 18, 2025 with a budget modification resolution to appropriate funding for the procurement of services related to the 2025 fireworks display.
BACKGROUND
As part of the Midyear Budget review process, the City Council considered options for a Fourth of July fireworks display (Event). Following the February 18 Council discussion, staff met with the fireworks vendor to evaluate potential alternative launch sites. Unfortunately, due to buffer zones and fire safety requirements, and scheduling conflicts, no viable landside launch options were available for the 2025 fireworks display.
As a result, a barge-launched display remained the only feasible option to ensure no buildings or active businesses would be within the fallout zone. This allows Seaside Lagoon and businesses in the waterfront to remain open for residents and visitors to safely enjoy the Event.
In recent years, new NPDES permit requirements significantly increased barge-related costs, which nearly doubled in the past year. After extensive outreach to multiple barge providers, staff secured services from Curtin Maritime at a price point more comparable to previous years.
To offset increased Event expenses, staff engaged waterfront businesses and hotel operators, who benefit from the show, and requested donations for the 2025 event. Staff is happy to report that several organizations expressed a willingness to contribute to this 2025 Event, and that, preliminarily, the City has received pledges totaling $45,000.
The original cost estimate for the 2025 fireworks display-including fireworks, barge rental, moorings, and NPDES permitting-was $200,000. With the updated cost for barge services from Curtin Maritime, and with pledged contributions from the business community, the City’s share of the cost would be reduced to $83,000.
Fireworks Display Pledges/Sponsors
|
Sponsor |
Amount |
|
King Harbor Association |
$10,000 |
|
Portofino Hotel |
$10,000 |
|
Sonesta Hotel |
$10,000 |
|
Redondo Beach Hotel |
$5,000 |
|
Riviera Village BID |
$5,000 |
|
Shade Hotel |
$5,000 |
|
TOTAL |
$45,000 |
Updated Fireworks Display Costs
|
|
2024 |
2025 |
|
Fireworks Display |
$65,000 |
$65,000 |
|
Barge/Tug Services Curtin Maritime |
$38,171 |
$55,000 |
|
Moorings |
$4,862 |
$5,000 |
|
NPDES Permitting Assistance |
$7,500 |
$3,000 |
|
SUBTOTAL |
$115,533 |
$128,000 |
|
Business Sponsorships Identified To-Date |
|
($45,000) |
|
TOTAL |
|
$83,000 |
Attached for Council consideration is a budget modification resolution to appropriate funds from the General Fund for services related to the Event, totaling $128,000. Sponsorship contributions of $45,000 will offset this amount, resulting in a net impact of $83,000 to the City's General Fund. Staff will present service contracts with the Event vendors at a future City Council meeting.
COORDINATION
The Community Services Department coordinated with the City Manager’s Office and the Fire, Police, and Public Works Departments to develop this report.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total appropriation required from the General Fund for anticipated 2025 event expenses is $128,000. Sponsorship contributions totaling $45,000 will offset this expense, resulting in a net impact to the General Fund of $83,000.
APPROVED BY:
Mike Witzansky, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
• Resolution No. CC-2503-015