BOCCC, fire warden discuss fireworks application fees
With Independence Day just around the corner, the desire to light off fireworks is likely increasing for individuals and commercial entities alike.
Each year, businesses such as Brush Creek Ranch, Old Baldy Club and the Seminoe Boat Club put on shows for guests. Though fireworks are technically banned in Carbon County, a process is established in which residents can enjoy a light show by submitting an application to the county fire warden.
While the application stipulates a $100 fee to go along with the permit, the June 1 meeting of the Board of Carbon County Commissioners (BOCCC) saw Interim Fire Warden John Rutherford ask the commissioners their thoughts on over-the-counter fireworks shows. According to Rutherford, only one person had submitted an application; Saratoga resident Randy Arnold.
“They do one every year and it’s the smaller stuff,” said Rutherford. “I know they look impressive when you see them but it is over-the-counter smaller stuff.”
While the larger fireworks shows used mortars ranging in size from three to six inches and required a site inspection, Rutherford said he wanted direction from the BOCCC. Since he didn’t typically do site inspections for the smaller events, he asked if the commissioners would consider reducing the fee for shows like the Arnolds to either $25 or waiving the fee entirely.
Commissioners John Espy proposed a fee of $25 for smaller shows using over-the-counter fireworks which would require an initial site inspection but would not need inspections for subsequent application renewals.
“That was kind of the intent of the fee when we established that, that way there was an application process, the contact information was made,” Rutherford said. “Part of the application is what the fireworks are and then that site visit. So, that’s why we established that fee.”
Rutherford added a fee of $25 was not outrageous, especially considering the amount of money spent on the fireworks.
“I agree. I think there certainly needs to be, kind of a difference between the commercial part of it and the private part of it. I feel like we still need to have some knowledge through the application process that there’s going to be those events on the private side,” said Commissioner Byron Barkhurst. “Just so we have our bearings going into the 4th.”
“I think the intent, with the over-the-counter folks especially, is that we were trying to encourage them to apply for permits,” added Commissioner Travis Moore. “That’s why we were looking at waiving that but if we just set it at $25 and waive it later, great.”
Rutherford informed the commissioners that, historically, the board had waived fees for over-the-counter firework shows following a request from the fire warden. While Rutherford stated the fees were not a large amount of revenue for the county, Chairman John Johnson stated it was important that permits were filed in case of an accident.
While there was no formal motion made, the BOCCC stated it was at Rutherford discretion as to whether a fireworks permit fee be waived.
The Board of Carbon County Commissioners will have met on June 15 at the Carbon County Courthouse in Rawlins.
The Board of Carbon County Commissioners will next meet at 9 a.m. on July 6 at the Carbon County Courthouse in Rawlins.
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