ATTLEBORO — Attleboro’s annual Fourth of July fireworks celebration may be in jeopardy as city officials face budget constraints and staffing reductions, Mayor Cathleen DeSimone told the City Council this week.
Although this year’s Independence Day celebration, which also marked America’s 250th anniversary, was widely considered one of the city’s most successful in recent years, DeSimone said the city cannot continue to organize the event under its current financial circumstances.
The fiscal 2027 budget required the city to eliminate several positions to close a $2.5 million budget deficit, including the community engagement manager and assistant parks and forestry director. Both employees played significant roles in planning the annual celebration, leaving Parks and Recreation Director Christy Clausen with primary responsibility for future events.
Earlier this year, the City Council approved an $85,000 transfer from free cash to support the Fourth of July celebration. According to Independence Day Committee Chair Kevin Turner, this year’s event cost approximately $70,000, with police and fire details accounting for much of the expense. Donations covered a substantial portion of the remaining costs.
DeSimone said about $50,000 remains available and outlined several options, including funding another fireworks display next year, using the money for a different community event, or reserving the funds until the city’s financial outlook improves.
The mayor said she hopes a nonprofit organization or community group will assume responsibility for organizing future celebrations. She pointed to North Attleboro’s successful Kids Day festivities, coordinated by the North Attleboro Firefighters Kids Day Association, as a possible model.
DeSimone encouraged residents and community organizations to offer ideas and partnerships if they wish to see Attleboro’s Independence Day celebration continue in the years ahead.