By Jeremy Twitchell (contact)

Thu, Nov 20, 2008 (midnight)

In the wake of a projected $28 million revenue shortfall that sent Henderson scrambling to cut its budget, a citizens committee that draws its relatively small budget from the city is doing the same in a gesture of support.

The Commemorative Beautification Committee, which sponsors community-building events such as the Holiday Decorating Contest, Arbor Day and Community Pride Awards, unanimously voted Nov. 12 to voluntary cut its $32,000 budget by 10 percent.

"It's just in keeping with what the city is doing," Chairman Jack McClary said. "We wanted to be on the team with that."

The committee has two operating budgets: an $18,000 fund that supports the Holiday Decorating Contest and the Christmas Tree Recycling Program, and a $14,000 fund that supports its other activities, including Arbor Day and community banners.

The commission made reductions in both budgets, freeing up $3,200 to return to the city's general fund.

"Every little bit helps," said Parks and Recreation Director Mary Ellen Donner, whose department oversees the committee. "Everybody is doing their part."

McClary said the money sent back likely won't affect the holiday season events but that next year's Arbor Day celebration could be affected. That event already depends on a number of corporate donations from local business — donations that the city likely won't be able to count on, given the current economic climate.

This year, the committee sponsored Arbor Day events at 10 schools. City staff who work with the commission said they would look at consolidating the celebrations into fewer events.

Jeremy Twitchell can be reached at 990-8928 or jeremy.twitchell@hbcpub.com.