The lights will be on, but just how many lights is still up for discussion.
Cutting the cost of the Festival of Lights while continuing the annual event was one idea discussed by city council members at a retreat Wednesday.
The three-hour retreat at the Embassy Suites was dedicated to examining the results of a recent survey given to elected officials and city staff.
The survey asked participants to rank the level of support for area programs. Using those findings, council members talked about ways to reduce spending for next fiscal year and possible revenues generating ideas for the city.
“You can see that (reducing Festival of Lights costs) is a very popular idea, if possible,” said Tom Brimberry, city administrator.
In regards to the Festival of Lights, the results also showed popular support for decreasing public works employees’ overtime pay and transitioning the event to private support.
“The labor (of Winter Wonderland) just kills us. We have over $100,000 a year in labor just to set that up,” said Dan Cunningham, director of tourism, special events and facilities.
The event on average makes $140,000 to $180,000 each year, according to Cunningham.
Commissioner Dan Decker brought up a concern about scaling down the static displays and still drawing people to the event.
“How much can we still charge if we take down some of these displays (that draw)people in?” he asked. “Can we continue to charge?”
The topic will be further discussed at the next Festival of Lights internal staff meeting March 9.
Also during the retreat, monetary support of area organizations was debated.
“The Peoria Area (Convention and Visitors Bureau) has limited support,” said Brimberry.
Each year, the city pays the organization $80,000, and many thought a portion of the money could be better distributed elsewhere, Brimberry said.
In fact, the results showed that many think the East Peoria Chamber of Commerce should receive up to twice the amount of $10,000, which it currently receives annually.
“Conserving our basic services — that’s what this is really all about,” said Mayor Dave Mingus. “Every little bit adds up.”
He added that the council should ask themselves, “Is this something that we absolutely need in hard economic times?”
Mingus said they must strive to balance basic services and services that are important in the city.
