City officials already talking Christmas
|
Members of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen, trying to plan for the holidays, looked at samples from a Sparta company called All American Christmas Lights. The decorations were hung from two light poles outside city hall and viewed after dark.
The display triggered an in-depth discussion about the type of Christmas decorations the city should buy for its renovated Main Street. Officials talked about the color of lights, whether to buy strands of garland with or without lights, bows, and banners that hang down with a message such as “Merry Christmas.”
Alderman Rick Barnes said he favored the banners and also indicated they would be more inexpensive than lights.
Alderman Patti Nunley responded, “It will look cheaper too.”
The city has budgeted $15,000 for Christmas decorations, but is not obligated to spend that much. Mayor Royce Davenport said upscale decorations for the city’s 72 light posts could approach $25,000.
“I think the theory is to do the minimum for the first year to see how it looks,” said Davenport. “That allows you to play with it a little bit and see how it goes from there.”
City officials agreed to take out bids to find the best deal on Christmas decorations. The turnaround on such orders was said to be about six weeks. Davenport indicated there are about a half dozen companies which specialize in Christmas lights which could enter the bidding.
As for the city’s current Christmas decorations, they are reported to be in so-so shape. The thinking is to throw away the bad stuff and to use the remaining decorations on Morford Street.