6/05/08

Marysville adopts new fireworks rules

The Marysville City Council has adopted a new ordinance that will give law enforcement officials additional tools to ensure public safety during fireworks season.

Previously, violators who discharged illegal fireworks in city limits, or who disregarded the date and time limits for using even legal fireworks, could be charged with a misdemeanor criminal offense, which carried a $300 fine. That fine has now been increased to the statewide standard of $1,000 and/or 90 days in jail.

With the passage of City Ordinance 2737, police can now issue civil citations to offenders, similar to traffic tickets, with penalties up to $500. Since civil infractions require less paperwork and court time, and are not added to the offender’s criminal record, law enforcement personnel can use the ticketing process more effectively to curb the illegal use of fireworks.

Other changes enacted by the ordinance include the increase of fines for gross misdemeanor charges to the state standard of $5,000 and/or a year in jail, and a clause allowing a person with three or more civil infractions within a 2-year period to be charged with a misdemeanor.

“Safe and sane” fireworks, which can be legally sold within city limits, may only be discharged between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. on July 4. Class C fireworks stands may operate within designated hours from June 28 through July 4.

Public safety is the city’s foremost concern, said Police Chief Rick Smith. “We’ll be out there a little stronger this year, with new tools to make sure our residents are safe. This ordinance supplies our officers with options that better fit various situations.”