Questions about the cost of Lead’s 150th anniversary celebration drew a large crowd to Monday night’s city commission meeting.
Members of a citizen watchdog group known as Checks and Balances by City of Lead Community Friends and Neighbors asked city officials for a complete accounting of expenses and revenues tied to the Rock the Hills anniversary events, which included concerts, a Fourth of July parade, a vintage baseball game, vendors, and other activities.
Group member Debbie Fisher told commissioners the documents provided so far show about $69,000 in expenses, including roughly $2,500 from the city’s third-penny sales tax fund. However, she said several major costs, including expenses for bands, staging, security, buses, and portable restrooms, were not included in the records the group received.
Fisher asked the commission to provide a full breakdown of spending and revenue so residents can see how public funds were used and whether expenditures were properly approved.
Mayor Dustin Heupel responded that the city is still waiting for final invoices related to the celebration and cannot provide complete figures until all bills have been received. He said some charges are based on time and materials and remain outstanding.
City officials say a detailed public financial report is being prepared and could be presented as early as the July 20th or August 3rd city commission meeting.
The Checks and Balances group was formed in 2024 during opposition to a proposed street maintenance tax and continues to meet regularly to discuss local government issues.
