Cities can't afford to pay for Rose Parade floats

Glendale's City Council on Monday asked city staff to create an account where residents can donate to the city's float, the Los Angeles Times reported.

A majority of city councilmembers said they wouldn't commit $130,000 from the general fund to the project because the city is facing a $18 million budget deficit, putting the city's long tradition of participation in the parade at risk.

"After 98 years, I'd hate to see it go down," said Councilman Dave Weaver, who was chairman of last year's decorating committee. "It's an integral part of Glendale."

The Glendale Rose Float Association usually raises $50,000 to pay back to the city, which means the city only contributes $80,000. This year, officials have asked the group to pay $30,000 for time that city staff spend on the float.

Designers are already sketching ideas for the float, but the city hasn't signed the $100,000 construction contract.