West Haven’s mayor has canceled the annual Savin Rock Festival this year due to budget concerns.
“It is with sadness that I announce that the City of West Haven will not sponsor a Savin Rock Festival in 2018 as a result of my administration’s ongoing cost-saving measures. I know what the festival represents, and I know the community looks forward to it; but the truth is, we cannot afford it this year. The City of West Haven is facing an $8 million revenue shortfall,” wrote Mayor Nancy Rossi in a statement.
The multi-day festival is traditionally held in July and draws thousands of people.
“We are eliminating 17 positions in the fiscal year 2019 budget and are asking our employees to take furlough days and forgo raises for the next several years. I think we would be sending the wrong message to our employees and residents not to cancel some of the more costly events while we balance our budget and get our fiscal house in order,” Rossi’s statement said.
The mayor also announced she would cancel the annual mayor’s holiday party in December, and was reviewing other events to see what else could cut costs.
The city’s fireworks display will go on provided the committee and city raise enough funding through donations and sponsorships to pay.
“I hope that we can resume the Savin Rock Festival and any other budget casualties in 2019 and into the future, but we could not in all good conscience hold these events this year when we are asking so many to make personal sacrifices,” Rossi said.
