GLENDALE, Calif., June 19 (UPI) -- Glendale, Calif., faced with an $18 million budget shortfall, may not be able to subsidize a float for the Tournament of Roses Parade, Glendale's mayor said.
If the Glendale City Council doesn't come through with $130,000 for its float entry, the city will cease its status as one of the longest-running entrants, the Los Angeles Times reported.
"It's a great thing, and the community does take pride in it. But at this time, we are talking about cutting programs for children in the parks. I think it's a luxury," Mayor Laura Friedman said at a recent budget meeting.
Although there's already a design in the works for the 2012 float, Glendale has yet to sign off on a $100,000 construction contract.
"The contract has to be signed soon because they have to begin building it now," said Glendale Councilman Dave Weaver, a longtime float advocate and chairman of last year's decorating committee.
"After 98 years, I'd hate to see it go down," Weaver said. "It's an integral part of Glendale."
