The city will bloom this spring after all.

In a quest to raised $16,000 from the community in order to save the flower program, the city exceeded the goal by $6,000.

"It was so heartwarming to see the outpouring of donations from all those people who want the city to keep the flowers and save the program, Mayor Bonnie Rietz said.

Of the $22,000 collected, $10,000 was donated by the Hormel Foods and $12,000 from the community.

"We received all types of donations from the community, and boy, little by little it really adds up," Rietz said.

During a work session last week the Austin council decided to cut 75 percent of the program for 2003 due to the financial situation the city will likely face.

The original funding for the flowers was $64,000.

The council proposed to matched $16,000 if the same amount was raise from the community.

The $32,000 dollars will cover flower beds and hanging baskets, down Main Street and around Mill Pond. The amount would also cover maintenance, fertilizer and watering.

Rietz said the remaining $6,000 will be used to buy 60 extra hanging baskets that will be "strategically" placed around the city in places like the Hormel Home.

"I really would like to extend a thank you to the community for coming through with the donations and helping keep the program," Rietz said.

Roxana Orellana can be reached at 434-2214 or by e-mail at mailto:roxana.orellana@austindailyherald