The Milwaukee County Committee on Finance convened on June 18, 2025, to discuss key issues affecting the county's parks and recreational activities. The meeting, held in Room 203-R and live-streamed for public access, focused on two main agenda items: the removal of an abandoned boat from Lake Michigan and a proposed drone show for the Fourth of July festivities.

The first item addressed was an informational report from Deputy Director Jim Tarantino regarding the abandoned boat, named "Deep Thought," which had been left along the shore between Northpointe and McKinley Beach since October. The boat was successfully removed on May 6, 2025, after a challenging 17-hour operation conducted by All City Towing. The total cost for the removal was $50,000, which was absorbed by the parks' operating budget as an unforeseen expense. Tarantino noted that the department managed to negotiate a discount, reducing the cost to $36,534. To help offset this expense, the Milwaukee Parks Foundation has begun accepting donations, with a notable contribution of $10,000 from the Daniel Hone Foundation. Additionally, the county plans to sell the boat at public auction to recoup some of the costs.

The second item on the agenda involved a passive review of a service agreement with BCI Entertainment LLC for a drone show scheduled for July 3, 2025. The contract, not to exceed $140,250, aims to replace traditional fireworks with a more environmentally friendly alternative. The drone show is expected to consist of three waves, totaling approximately 45 minutes of entertainment. Tarantino explained that the upfront costs would be covered by the parks department but reimbursed by the Milwaukee Parks Foundation, ensuring no long-term financial impact on the county.

Supervisor Martinez raised concerns about the transition from fireworks to a drone show, noting the long history of fireworks displays in the area. Tarantino clarified that the decision was made due to the high costs associated with fireworks, which had reached $350,000 for a previous show. He emphasized the importance of sustainability and community support, highlighting that nine donors had contributed to the funding for the drone show.

The meeting concluded with no further action required on the discussed items, but it underscored the ongoing efforts of Milwaukee County to manage its parks effectively while adapting to changing community needs and environmental considerations.