March 19, 2024

Supervisors approve state regulations for fireworks

The Jasper County Board of Supervisors have decided to follow the state law regarding fireworks legislation.

The decision was made during the regular Tuesday board meeting in regard to the June 1 start date of fireworks use and sales in Iowa.

Under state regulations, fireworks will be allowed from June 1 to July 8 and Dec. 10 to Jan. 3 between the hours of 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. On July Fourth and the Saturdays and Sundays immediately preceding and following July Fourth the hours expand from 9 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. and on Dec. 31 to the next day fireworks are allowed between 9 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. Also, on the Saturdays and Sundays immediately preceding and following Dec. 31 fireworks can be used from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Supervisor Joe Brock presented three options for the board to regulate fireworks use. The first would be to keep the system of permits that is currently in place, second would be to outlaw fireworks in the county and the third would be to follow state law and end the practice of issuing permits.

The board approved following the state law and stopping the practice of issuing permits at any time during the year.

“It used to be put on the supervisors to make decisions when people requested,” Brock said. “I was always uncomfortable approving (permits).”

Jasper County Sheriff John Halferty agreed with Brock about issuing permits due to the time range fireworks could be used throughout the county.

“I was uncomfortable with the permits, too, because they could go as late as September. If that goes up and sets a dry cornfield on fire, we are going to be the ones called to put out the fire, either in the field or between the neighbors,” Halferty said. “I think there will be a learning process the first couple of years with people getting and accessing fireworks and setting them off and using good judgment. There are some concerns but you don’t want to limit the person’s reason to celebrate.”

When making a decision Halferty said his preference would be to follow one set of rules instead of making the regulations more complicated with different stipulations. Cities within the county still have the opportunity to set their own codes for fireworks use within city limits.

In other business:

• An agreement for law enforcement services at Iowa Speedway for the Metallica concert was approved between the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office and MATIS 2017, LLC.

• A Kawasaki Mule was approved for purchase for the engineer’s office from Fast Trax Sports for $16,759.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com