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EL MIRAGE, AZ - Taxpayers in
El Mirage paid more than $19,000 for a private party they were not allowed to attend.
Police officers guarded the entrance.
Signs that stated "Closed to the Public" were posted outside.
While taxpayers were footing the bill, the mayor, members of the city council, city employees, their families, land owners and developers spent hours partying inside an air-conditioned tent.
On the menu was grilled shrimp, pasta made-to-order, a carving station, plenty of alcohol and fresh strawberries dipped in chocolate, hand-delivered by a staff of caterers.
"We couldn't afford to throw a party for everybody," said El Mirage Mayor Fred Waterman. "This is a very fine catering service we have here."
The party was to celebrate the grand opening of Gateway Park.
According to public records obtained by the ABC15 Investigators, the city spent $15,890 on catering, an air-conditioned tent and live entertainment.
"I'm glad I'm broke and they're eating shrimp," said El Mirage resident Patrick Surkala.
City officials spent another $400 for three uniformed police officers who were brought in to keep the public out by screening guests.
"It looks like they spent more money on the party than they did on the park," said El Mirage resident Jason Eatons after reviewing video of the party that was shot by ABC15.
Two days after the private, taxpayer funded party, the city opened the park to the public.
A formal ribbon cutting was held. Members of the City Council sat in the shade while taxpayers sat in the triple digit heat.
There was no air-conditioned tent, no grilled shrimp or chocolate covered strawberries.
"Well we got bottled water," said one taxpayer.
When asked how they would compare the public party to the private party several taxpayers said, "its like night and day."
"It just seems a little frivolous right now, the way things are going nobody has money to pay for gas to get to work these days," said Jason Eatons.
To put the price tag in perspective, the $19,000 could have paid for 52 more park benches or 4 more water fountains for the public to enjoy.
When asked why city officials would through a party for themselves when they can't afford to invite the public, Mayor Waterman told ABC15 Investigator Josh Bernstein, "wasn't planned by me, but i do agree with having it."
The City of El Mirage was recently forced to cut $9 million from its budget, roughly 10-percent.
"This is not one of the failing cities, we have the money," said Mayor Waterman.
To pay for the park taxpayers in El Mirage went to the polls and approved a tax increase, but several of the taxpayers interviewed by ABC15 said they would never approve that money being spent on a private party for city officials and their families.
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