Maria Kacik | The Gazette

BRUNSWICK — Last year City Council resolved to not spend any tax dollars on the July 3 fireworks. With just over a week to go until the big show, the city is looking for ways to make sure it still goes on.

Joe Delsanter, Ward 3 councilman and vice mayor, said the budget for the annual fireworks — which was typically $10,000 every year — was cut from this year’s budget during the 2008 fall budgeting process.

“It was part of the overall picture to cut expenditures and costs that were not essential for providing city services,” he explained.

City Council made a motion Monday night to expend up to $7,500 on the fireworks, provided enough donations come in to cover the show.

The city’s Parks and Recreation Department is seeking sponsorships from businesses to put on the fireworks, which cost a minimum of $5,000. John Piepsny, director of parks and recreation, said he had received donations from groups like Chagrin Valley Engineering of Cleveland and the Old Fashioned Days committee.

Piepsny said he will be looking for donations until noon Friday since he has to order the fireworks by 5 p.m. Those interested in sponsorships can call him at (330) 273-8000.

In addition to whatever money comes in from sponsorships, the city will be contributing the money that the mayor’s office brings in through its wedding fees.

Mayor Dale Strasser said he charges $35 for marrying couples. “When I marry these people I tell them I can’t accept the money so it will go to the fireworks. So when they’re watching the fireworks they had something to do with it,” he said.

The city will contribute about $800 from the general fund, which is about the amount of money that is deposited into the fund from weddings in an average year.

Piepsny said the Brunswick Community Recreation and Fitness Center will have a free admission day on July 3. A Brunswick Community Band and Choir concert will be held there at 7 p.m. and the fireworks will begin at 10.

Contact Maria Kacik at (330) 721-4049 or mkacik@ohio.net.