Pasquotank County will provide $8,000 from tourism funds for the July 4th community fireworks presentation in Elizabeth City.

The Pasquotank Finance Committee agreed to the $8,000 figure Monday. No vote was taken since county commissioners agreed their previous motion that set aside $6,000 for the fireworks show had specified the amount would be bumped up to $8,000 if the occupancy tax proceeds were sufficient to cover the larger dollar figure.

County Manager Randy Keaton reported to the committee that it now appears there will be about $5,800 in the county’s occupancy tax account at the end of the fiscal year even after $8,000 is paid for fireworks.

Chairman Marshall Stevenson objected that the county shouldn’t spend the additional money just because it has the revenue.

“We’ve got to start drawing the line somewhere,” Stevenson said, even if the fireworks show has to be 15 minutes shorter.

Finance Chairman Matt Wood and Commissioner Bill Trueblood agreed with Stevenson that it’s a bad idea to spend the additional dollars, but they pointed out the board already had agreed to pay $8,000 if the revenues were available.

Commissioner Jeff Dixon noted the money is raised through the occupancy tax — a tax paid by hotel guests — so it’s not paid by Pasquotank taxpayers.

Commissioner Cecil Perry said he agreed that cutting back on the show wouldn’t be a bad idea. But he said the funding should move forward since the commissioners already had voted on it at a prior meeting.

Elizabeth City also is contributing $8,000 toward the fireworks show. The city’s Parks and Recreation Department is sponsoring the fireworks presentation this year.

Dr. Daniel Terryberry will be launching the pyrotechnics from a barge on the Pasquotank River.

Other activities are planned for the city waterfront on the afternoon and evening of July 4, including live music.

Contact Reggie Ponder at rponder@dailyadvance.com