MARION – The Marion City Council unanimously approved a new fireworks ordinance banning the sale of any fireworks in the city limits at Monday’s meeting.
This new ordinance repeals the city’s old fireworks ordinance.
Mayor Mike Absher and City Attorney Wendy Cunningham explained what the new ordinance does during the meeting.
Marion Chief of Staff Cody Moake says the city has had issues over the last few years trying to police pop up firework tents and knowing what’s legal and not legal to sell along with other issues. Plus the city did not receive any sales tax revenue from the pop up tents and did not receive any real benefit from them.
The city also received many phone calls in July from angry residents about those shooting off fireworks at all hours of the night scaring kids, pets, veterans, etc. So Moake says the council decided to ban the purchase and the ability to use what the state deems illegal fireworks, better equip police with the ability to enforce the ordinance and order compliance.
The city believes illegal fireworks will still be brought into the city, but with Monday’s action by the City Council, the city is now better equipped to put a stop to it and meet the complaints with the ability to act.
More Info: Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Approved and Prohibited Consumer Fireworks and Unregulated Novelties
