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PROVO — An American flag flying in Provo is pinching the city budget and giving some taxpayers sticker shock.
The flag flying high near I-15 and University Avenue is 30 feet by 60 feet.
"We feel that it's really important that we display that as proudly as possible," said Provo Deputy Mayor Corey Norman.
However, it comes at a price.
"This is a large flag, and it costs roughly $1,300 to purchase a new one," Norman said.
The flag is usually repaired only once before being replaced. The city has replaced it more often this year using more taxpayer dollars. High winds and hot weather caused the flag to tatter faster.
"We've just had this weather that has gone back and forth," Norman said.
Instead of every two to three months, it's been replaced almost every month, quickly whittling down the city's $7,000 budget set aside for flag maintenance. At that rate, the city is looking at more than $10,000 to keep the flag in the air.
Norman says the cost is worth it.
"If we have to peel off a couple of thousand dollars here and there, we're going to end up doing it," he said.
Some Provo residents agree.
"If I'm paying my taxes for that, fine," said Jameson Pugmire. "I'd rather a flag of freedom be flying."
Other, like Lance Richards, disagree and think the money could be better spent.
"That seems kind of expensive to me," he said.
"I think it's important, but it could be less money," said resident Bryttan Johnson. "There's other things money should go to probably. Take that 10 grand and create a scholarship for someone that needs it."
Some people say the flag funds should come from sponsored local business owners or Boy Scout service projects.
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