NEWNAN, GA (CBS ATLANTA) -
It's Christmas in September for the Newnan City Council. Members voted unanimously on Tuesday to increase their annual budget for decorations by $10,000.
Earlene Scott is on the city's Christmas committee. She pushed for a bigger budget because she wants the city to have a special feel during the holidays.
"Have it looking like downtown Newnan used to look with just lots of red ribbons, wreaths, lights, especially the lights," Scott said.
Scott said a lot of the tree lights burn out every year and the committee would like to purchase longer lasting and more expensive LED lights.
CBS Atlanta News asked Scott if the city would put a price tag on the decorations.
"The city I'm sure will, because they have a budget, but our plan is to plan ahead for things that we would like to do this year and the next few years," Scott said.
So what did other taxpayers in Newnan have to say about it?
"I think it looks great the way it is with the courthouse and the lights," said resident Susan Coggin. "I mean, what more could you need?"
Jo Farmer, another Newnan resident, said the decorations were important to the city.
"I think it brings people in, so I think it's a good thing," Farmer said.
But not everyone thought the decorations were worth the money.
"I'm all for efficiency, however, $10,000 that's a lot of lighting," said resident Coretta McDowell.
Resident Roger McDowell agreed.
"For that kind of money you could better spend it helping some of the socially challenged and economically challenged people that we have in the city," he said.
The city said the money would provide for more efficient lighting around tree trunks downtown, and all the money would also allow the Christmas committee to place a large wreath above the entrance to Carnegie Library.
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The Newnan City Council
