Kudos to the Albert Lea City Council for reducing the new fee on fireworks this year. There’s no doubt that a jump from $25 to $250 is easier to tackle than one from $25 to $500.

We realize with the difficult funding situation the city is in there will be increases in fees, including the one to have pyrotechnic displays.

However, in the discussion Monday, it appears there was quite a bit of talk from city staff about how much it costs “us.” The reference was to city government.

The city government should be reminded that the real “us” is the people of Albert Lea. The city is supported by the people, not merely the government employees. We the taxpaying citizens want patriotic fireworks displays on the Fourth of July, and, if we took a citywide vote, it would be pretty clear that the taxpaying citizens don’t mind using our city resources — from police and fire safety to street and park cleaning — to make it happen.

Further, in this spring’s discourse over receiving less local-government aid from the state, city leaders made the case of how sales taxes paid locally were meant to return in the form of LGA.

If that’s their stance — which is a good and correct stance — surely the city leaders then should recognize just how much additional sales-tax revenue an excellent fireworks display generates. Many people come to Albert Lea and spend their money.

If anything, there should be greater encouragement from the city for anyone wishing to hold cultural events. They are what keep a city vibrant and no doubt benefit the local economy.

Even though the vote was 5-2, we are glad the City Council voted sensibly to meet the request.