Many thanks for the contributors, supporters and families who enjoyed the 4th of July fireworks. We now have $5000 in reserve for next year – which I hope will be bigger and better!
Due to the success, the town requested the Fireworks Committee to provide an audit of our records. They wanted to know where the profit was being distributed. Going forward any 501(c)3 non-profit entity will have to fill out a four-page application, and they will not provide a permit for the event until it is completed.
My point in all this is now the precedence has been set; the 4th of July fireworks has complied with this new requirement.
It is now time the Fountain Hills Chamber of Commerce needs to provide the same four-page application and open their records for the town manager and Town Council to review.
For years the town has been donating the downtown area for the Fountain Hills arts festivals in in November and February. Many people have attempted to review the Chamber’s books to see how and where the profits are distributed with no success; we now should have the authority to do so.
It is only fair that we all have to play by the same rules. I request your support in asking the town manager and Town Council to push this issue and do what is right and fair.
We have a new CEO coming to the Chamber – fresh mind, fresh eyes, new perspectives; this is the time for our Chamber of Commerce to start anew.
I am hopeful that they will join the community and become the supporters they were meant to be.
