Will the lack of rain in Grimes County this year put a damper on firework season?
Commissioner’s discussed the sale and use of fireworks recently at court, and the potential options. County Judge Joe Fauth pointed out that, thanks to state law, they have to have a choice made by December 14th.
“Because we have bounced in and out of burn bans the last few months, we have a statue requirement to say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to particular fireworks sales. So, I at least wanted to get it on the agenda…it is our decision as to whether we authorize,” said Fauth. “The way the moisture is on the ground today, I do not think there is a need to make any changes.”
Legal counsel for the county, Jon C. Fultz, laid out the specific pathways to banning fireworks, but noted that venturing down that road can get bumpy.
“You can either prohibit, or restrict. You can say no use of sticks and fins, or you can restrict how you deem appropriate,” said Fultz. “It is always a question of ‘what rights of people to be silly,’ and how much do you want to restrict, and how much government is in people’s lives. Potentially, you are creating an offense. So, you have to determine, based upon safety, whether or not those conditions exist today.”
Fultz also noted that, should conditions change, the court can call a special meeting before the December 14th deadline.
Ultimately, commissioners decided to not ban or restrict any fireworks sales through the first of the year in Girmes County.
