SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (AP) – Springfield’s mayor-elect said the city will stop funding the annual salary of the president of its community events program, the Spirit of Springfield.
Mayor-elect Charles Ryan Jr. said the city can’t afford the $84,341 annual salary of program president Judith Matt.
Spirit of Springfield produces community events such as the Bright Nights holiday lighting display, the annual fireworks display and the Parade of Big Balloons.
Last week, Ryan said the city’s Community Development department, which funds Matt’s salary, was spending too much of its federal grant on public services and needed to cut back.
“The money just is not there anymore,” Ryan said. “There will be a good many more decisions just like that. These are painful things to have to do.”
Spirit of Springfield has a $1.8 million budget, much raised through private funds, sponsorships and event revenues. Peter Picknelly, a member of the board of directors, said the organization will find some way to make up for the loss of city funds.
AP-ES-12-27-03 1219EST
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