June 27, 2024

Fireworks fine passes second reading

Ervin supports harsher punishment for violators, proposes time be extended

By Christopher Braunschweig

Randy Ervin, in 2019, holds a Roman candle, which meets the specifications of the City of Newton ordinance allowing the use fireworks from 8 to 11 p.m. July 4 and prohibiting any use on New Year’s Eve. Newton City Council recently approved the second consideration of an amended ordinance increasing the fireworks fine from $250 to $350 when used illegally. (Christopher Braunschweig)

One more reading to go until city council members increase the fireworks fine in Newton.

Again, no citizen input was shared at the Monday Newton City Council meeting, a stark contrast to prior fireworks-related ordinance changes which were usually centered around the usage and the times when citizens may discharge their stock of firecrackers and Roman candles.

In an effort to reduce illegal fireworks use outside of the authorized time period of 8-11 p.m. July 4, city staff proposed the fine be increased from $250 to $350.

If the third and final consideration of the amended ordinance is approved, it will likely be adopted into city code by council members. This year, illegal fireworks use was particularly common in Newton. The local police department received 223 complaints and calls for service about fireworks from June 1 to July 5.

Furthermore, the Newton Police Department wrote 22 citations for illegal fireworks use, compared to the nine written in 2019. Council members unanimously voted in favor of increasing the fines for violators. Councilman Randy Ervin, a proponent of fireworks, supported the extra fines.

However, Ervin also suggested council members rethink the allotted time for fireworks use sometime in the near future.

“I do think that’s important that we follow the rules that have been put in place by the city council,” Ervin said. “The only thing is, (as) a fireworks advocate, if we’re going to increase the fine, in my mind we should also consider at some point increasing the time.”

Ervin proposed noon to 11 p.m. on July 4, which would provide citizens an additional eight hours to enjoy the fireworks they purchased. Legislation signed by former Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad in 2017 legally allowed vendors to sell consumer-grade fireworks. It also permitted buyers to use and possess them.

Even though municipalities can opt out or make more restrictive rules regarding use within city limits under the current law, they cannot stop the selling of fireworks.

Newton City Council will review the third consideration of the amended firework ordinance during its next meeting starting at 6 p.m. Aug. 17.

Contact Christopher Braunschweig at 641-792-3121 ext. 6560 or cbraunschweig@newtondailynews.com