Story And Poll: City Raising Money For July 4th Celebration

City Councilman Sam Derting sits on the city's ad hoc committee for raising money to put on the July 4th celebration, something he estimates will cost between $60,000-$80,000.

So far, Derting said, the group has roughly $25,500 pledged from local businesses in Suisun and Fairfield.

"People don't realize that we put 400-600 man hours to set up event," he said. "...it all costs."

"We're engaging every business owner and we're talking to them, which is why we've extended it for three weeks," he said. "We have have 28,000 people in this town and if every person put in a buck we'd have enough money given what we have already."

Derting wants to soon set up a nonprofit status for the ad hoc committee and then a website with a portal for donations, so it will be easy for locals to donate.

The city is also looking ahead to next year, looking at selling so-called safe and sane fireworks in the city, which are less dangerous than most illegal fireworks.

The city of Dixon allowed the sale of safe and sane fireworks last year in April and netted $162,500 with eight stands selling fireworks staffed by nonprofit groups. Dixon has a population of about 17,000 people.

Derting said Suisun is looking at four-six booths staffed by nonprofits like the Kiwanis Club and Rotary.

A proposal to sell -- allow the use of -- safe and sane fireworks will come back to the City Council in 30-60 days, Derting said.