Harrison County Commission adopts stricter fireworks ordinance with fines and time limits

The Harrison County Commission on July 16 voted to adopt a countywide fireworks discharge restriction ordinance after a second reading and amendments to fines, setback distance and allowable hours.

The amended ordinance sets civil fines at a minimum of $200 and a maximum of $1,000 per occurrence, requires a 250-foot setback from residences, and limits discharge to no later than 9 p.m. on weekdays and 10 p.m. on weekends, with exceptions for the holidays listed in the ordinance. The commission’s attorney advised that the ordinance may be amended up to the point of passage and that today’s action could include changes presented during the meeting.

Why it matters: Commissioners said they were responding to frequent nighttime discharges and safety concerns while trying to preserve traditional holiday displays. Commissioners framed the ordinance as an enforcement and public-safety measure; several members said enforcement in practice will be challenging because officers cannot always count individual discharges.

Discussion and amendments: The county attorney and commissioners discussed whether fines should be assessed “per discharge” or “per event,” and whether existing language could be interpreted to impose a large cumulative fine if multiple mortars were fired. Commissioners agreed to amend the language so fines apply per occurrence (one event) rather than per individual firework discharge. The draft also reduced the residential setback from 500 feet to 250 feet after commissioners compared other counties’ ordinances.

Commissioner Henkel moved to approve the ordinance as amended; the motion passed on voice vote.

What’s next: The ordinance was adopted at second reading with the amendments recorded in the meeting. County staff and the county attorney indicated they will finalize the ordinance text and publish it per legal requirements.