EVERETT — The Snohomish County Council has scheduled a hearing next month to discuss an advisory vote on banning fireworks, even as some council members expressed doubts.
A brief discussion preceded Monday’s decision to conduct the hearing.
“I thought we needed to move the needle on this,” said County Council Chairman Terry Ryan, who suggested the idea. “We’ve been getting calls on this for the two and a half years I’ve been on the council.”
If a majority of the council agrees, the question of prohibiting the use, possession or sale of fireworks would appear on Nov. 8 general election ballots. The council could later enact a ban if voters favor one.
The vote presents at least one wrinkle: The question would appear on ballots for all Snohomish County voters, inside and outside of city limits. The county government, however, only has the authority to regulate fireworks in unincorporated areas. The council could analyze election results from unincorporated areas to reach a decision.
Ryan’s colleagues registered their skepticism, but voted 4-0 to conduct a hearing in council chambers at 10:30 a.m. Aug. 1. The council also must select people to write statements for and against the proposal.
“I have some trepidation,” County Councilman Brian Sullivan said.
Councilman Ken Klein agreed to the hearing, but added, “I have concerns.”
The advisory vote is one of three potential fireworks restrictions being considered or already passed by the council this year.
The council last month granted the county fire marshal the authority to outlaw fireworks during periods of extreme drought. Another council discussion centers on a proposal to allow people in unincorporated areas to petition for neighborhood-specific fireworks bans.
Noah Haglund: 425-339-3465; nhaglund@heraldnet.com. Twitter: @NWhaglund.
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