By Tony E. Windsor

Laurel's Mayor is leading the charge in regards to making sure Laurel's 4th of July event remains a community celebration. Saying "I believe we can do this," Shwed asked his colleagues on the council Monday night to make a good-faith effort to help support the project. This year's event is being planned for Saturday, July 3. Shwed said he believes in the need for the town to pick up the coordination of the annual 4th of July event and work hard to get volunteers and funds to pull it off. One of the most expensive events of the annual event is also its most traditional and best-loved component; the fireworks display. Shwed explained that according to the Laurel Chamber of Commerce, the traditional sponsor of the community event, the fireworks will most likely cost between $13,000 and $15,000. The Mayor says given the significant attraction-value of the fireworks, it is imperative that they be considered while working on piecing together the 4th of July celebration. However, understanding that in order to secure a contract for the fireworks display, the town will need to have access to as much as $15,000, it is necessary to make sure the money is available. He asked the council to give approval to grant a "line of credit" of no more than $15,000 from the town budget to assure that the fireworks are a part of this year's event. "If we have to sign a contract for the fireworks, we will need to be able to secure up to $15,000 and this is the only way I know to do this," Shwed added that he is aware the town cannot afford to take money out of the budget, so he is convinced that by starting immediately, the town can raise the necessary funds to pay for most, or all of the firework's costs. "We just need to know we have a way to back up a contract," he said. Councilman Chris Calio asked Shwed where he suggested the money come from. "Are you saying this will be an item in the 2011 budget, or are you planning to take it from the budget reserves, or what," he asked? Shwed said it is his full intention to not have to actually use money from the budget, however, it will take time to raise the funds and money may be needed to cover the securing of the fireworks display through a contract. "If the money is needed from the budget, it would be my suggestion for it to come out of reserves," he said. "I also think we should plan on making this a line item in the budget. I am just asking for the council to give authority for us to have access for up to $15,000 for this project." Councilman Bill Trujillo made a motion that the council