Featured image: Martin Mayor David Belot talking to citizens during special called meeting on Feb. 12, 2026. (Pacer Photo / Bethany Collins)

The City of Martin Board of Mayor and Aldermen voted on March 9 to forgo a Fourth of July fireworks show in 2026, citing rising costs, while also approving a low bid to clean up the Weldon building to maintain insurance coverage and approve Kent Kelso as Chair of Vision, Voices, and Viability Committee and Jacob Corwe as Vice Chair. 

Board members discussed fireworks proposals ranging from $22,575 to $34,650 and noted prices have climbed in recent years due to COVID-19 impacts and tariffs. The finance committee unanimously recommended skipping the fireworks show in 2026, and the board later voted not to hold fireworks while still planning other Fourth of July celebrations. 

In other business, the board approved a $4,350 cleanup bid from BJB Construction for the Weldon building after being told the city must address conditions at the site to keep its insurance coverage, as required by the underwriter. BJB Construction is expected to begin work in early April, with funds available in the administrative line for physical plant repairs. Alderman Jacob Crowe raised questions about whether the insurance deductible could be applied to the cleanup cost, an issue set for follow-up.

The city also plans to pursue appraisals for both the welding building and the municipal building as officials consider long-term options. The appraisal fee was estimated at $800 to $1,000 and would be paid from the administrative miscellaneous account, according to the meeting summary.

The mayor’s updates included the status of proposed changes to the city charter. The House Private Acts Committee unanimously passed the requested charter changes and referred the charter to the State and Local Government Committee, according to the report.

The board also approved several appointments and committee actions, including appointing Joe Worthington to the public safety committee based on a recommendation from Chief Phillip Fuqua.

For the city’s Vision, Voices, and Viability (3V) Committee, the board approved Alderman Kent Kelso as chair and Crowe as vice chair. It also voted to accept committee members, with a plan to include all applicants who live within city limits, and to add representatives from city employees and two students from Westview High School.

Upcoming meetings listed included a historic zoning meeting March 17 at the municipal building, a finance meeting March 19 in the training room at the Martin Police Department and a planning commission meeting March 23 at the municipal building. There is a special meeting called for March 12 at 5:15 p.m. The next city board meeting is scheduled for April 13, at 5:15 p.m.