SNOHOMISH — Reconsidering fireworks came up at last week’s City Council meeting. The discussion wasn’t on the agenda, but got brought up during council discussion.
The council may seek an advisory ballot measure asking the public whether it would support a full in-city ban.
Snohomish currently allows using fireworks on just the Fourth of July from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
The council is thinking it might pick up the topic at its July 5 meeting, right after the Fourth of July holiday.
A past advisory vote in 2016 found 54% of voters didn’t want a ban. That election had a highwater turnout of 4,600 voters; the ballot also had a hot measure on switching the city’s government to an executive mayor format and it was a Presidential election year.
If council waits to July to decide, its soonest ballot for an advisory measure would be this November’s ballot.
An advisory vote gauges public opinion, but doesn’t enact law.
Police Chief Rob Palmer said enforcing fireworks bans are difficult unless police catch someone in the act, and when they do an individual officer may be faced with a large group of people reveling in celebration. Police can more effectively use emphasis patrols on small areas such as parks and public spaces to stop people illegally using fireworks, Palmer said.
