BY STEPHEN H. COWLES/CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Playback58@gmail.com

 

ISLE OF WIGHT—Isle of Wight County Board of Supervisors on Thursday voted 3-2 to keep Fourth of July fireworks in its 2013-14 budget for Windsor and Smithfield.

Voting to keep the $11,000 in the budget for fireworks were Smithfield District Supervisor Al Casteen, Newport District Supervisor Byron “Buzz” Bailey and Windsor District Supervisor Dee Dee Darden. Voting against were Hardy District Supervisor and Board Chairwoman JoAnn Hall and Carrsville District Supervisor Rex Alphin

Parks and Recreation Director Mark Furlo offered to cut the cost to trim his budget by 5 percent per the supervisors’ request. He needed to know the board’s decision to secure vendors as soon as possible.

“We’re asking everyone to cut,” Hall said. “As much as I like it, 15 minutes of fireworks is a luxury.”

Alphin said he’s enjoyed displays and hoped that civic organizations could come up with some funding.

“The county can no longer afford them,” he said. “These cuts don’t come lacking any pain.”

“Don’t cut out the fireworks,” Casteen added. “It’s a major economic event.”

Bailey also agreed that Windsor and Smithfield benefit economically.

“I’m sure we can find $11,000,” Darden said.