Effingham County commissioners approved giving Springfield $3,000 to help with its annual Fourth of July fireworks display, but let it be known they want others outside of government to help.

Commissioners asked if the Chamber of Commerce could be approached to help with funding the holiday show.

“We want the Chamber involved,” Chairwoman Verna Phillips said.

The cost of the fireworks display has gone up from $10,000 to $12,000, county administrative assistant Adam Kobek told commissioners. Commissioners probed having businesses donate to Springfield’s fireworks cause, but County Administrator Ed Williams and Assistant County Attorney Ed Gotwalt raised the red flag of an appearance of impropriety if the businesses have government contracts.

Several Georgia cities are not holding fireworks shows this year because of the drought. Woodstock announced it won’t be setting off fireworks and Cleveland has banned the use of fireworks until there is relief from the drought. Alpharetta and Roswell, two large Atlanta suburbs, also are said to be weighing not holding fireworks displays.

“There has been talk of some people canceling their fireworks,” Phillips said.

County Fire/Rescue Chief Val Ashcraft said crews would be ready should a stray incendiary spark on dry ground.

He also said the conditions would be weighed before recommending going on with the show.

“If there is an unusual danger at the time, we can make a decision then,” he said.