(WJAR) -- The Bristol Fourth of July Committee announced Thursday night that it will not accept the $20,000 raised by residents to keep the town's summer concert series at Independence Park.
The decision was made during a meeting at Bristol's downtown courthouse, where committee members cited restrictions on how the funds were collected.
"It's noted that the funds were specifically intended and collected to supplement the police department's budget," said committee Chairwoman Camille Teixeira. "We cannot accept donations intended for that purpose."
The announcement sparked frustration among residents who hoped the money would be enough to prevent the concert series from moving to Roger Williams University.
"I am asking you all to do what is right and vote to move the concerts back to Independence Park," one resident said during public comment.
Allison Borges, who organized the GoFundMe campaign to raise the funds, expressed disappointment in the committee's decision.
"There's a lot of people who are disappointed by this decision to relocate, and people are coming together for a good cause," Borges said.
Committee members reiterated that the move was not about money but about safety.
Bristol Police Chief Kevin Lynch said that keeping the concerts at Independence Park would require "significant changes" to ensure safety, including additional road closures and more officers on duty.
"We have to have the ample road closure signs. We have to have the right infrastructure on the roadway, and we will need an additional 10 to 12 police officers," Lynch said.
Borges believes the money raised could have helped cover those costs, but with the committee declining the funds, donors will get their money back.
"We did stipulate that if the committee did not relocate the event, the funds would be refunded back to the donors," Borges said.
Despite the setback, some residents say they are not giving up.
Borges said the group plans to move forward with a citizens' ballot measure to put the issue to voters.
The concert series will go on as scheduled, starting June 21, but no official decision has been made on the final location.