The city of Peru is paying more for fireworks this year. The city council approved the purchase from J&M Displays for $32,000, although in the past they have paid about $25,000.
Alderman Tom Payton says he thinks the city is being extorted because of the increase, and wants to see if there are other options for future purchases. He says the city can’t take another thirty percent rate increase.
City Parks Director Adam Thorson says the city has to buy fireworks from J&M because they are under contract with them for the next two years. City Attorney Scott Schweickert says a part of the contract with the company allows for fair pricing. He says this way the company doesn’t have a blank check to increase the cost when they want to.
Alderman Jason Edgcomb says other cities across the country are paying about fifteen to thirty-five percent more for fireworks after a quick internet search on his phone. Mayor Ken Kolowski says supply chain issues and inflation are causing the price of fireworks to go up.