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Milton council votes to place nonbinding fireworks advisory on November ballot
Summary
The Milton City Council voted 5-1 to place Resolution 25-1985, an advisory measure on fireworks sales and use, on the Nov. 4 ballot. Council and public speakers debated enforcement, tribal trust lands, turnout and outreach; staff estimated an added ballot-page cost of about $2,000.
The Milton City Council voted 5-1 on Feb. 18 to approve Resolution 25-1985 and send a nonbinding advisory measure on banning the sale, purchase and use of fireworks to the Nov. 4 general election ballot.
The ballot measure would ask voters whether to prohibit the sale, purchase and use of fireworks in the city. A mayoral-council motion to place the advisory measure on the November ballot was made by Council member White and seconded by Council member Peretti; the motion carried with five votes in favor and one opposed.
Council members and members of the public debated whether a citywide ban would be enforceable, the impact of nearby Puyallup Tribal trust lands, and whether an off-year November ballot would draw enough voter input. Several residents urged a ban; others and some council members said outreach or permitting alternatives should be considered before asking voters to decide.
Resident Jackie Strader said the city should hold more community conversations and surveys before a simple yes/no vote, and asked how enforcement would change if voters approved a ban. Resident Susan Johnson urged Milton to study Edgewood’s permitting approach and recommended permitting for organized displays.
Council member White argued the citizenry should be given a direct voice, citing tradition and public sentiment. Council member Peretti asked staff to ensure the public understands parameters including the fact that some tribal trust parcels that lie adjacent to Milton are not subject to city code. Council member Cedar confirmed with staff that the measure before the council is nonbinding — the council would not be legally required to enforce an advisory vote as written.
Police and public-safety concerns surfaced in council discussion. Members noted the existing code allows fines (a council member referenced a $1,000 fine stated in the code), but several council members and the police chief cautioned that enforcement is often difficult: officers must observe violations in progress, and modern policing constraints and recent case law can limit enforcement options.
City staff estimated minimal additional election costs because municipal candidates will already appear on the November ballot; staff said the city would only be charged for the ballot page, an estimated $2,000 for Pierce County and about $100 for King County. Council members discussed and encouraged public education — Milton Days booths, newsletters and other outreach — before the election.
The council’s action tonight directs city staff to place the advisory question on the Nov. 4 ballot and to develop voter outreach materials. The advisory measure, if approved by voters, would not automatically change city code; council members noted they could still adopt ordinance language later if they chose to make an enforceable ban.
Votes at a glance: Resolution 25-1985 — Motion to place an advisory fireworks ban question on the Nov. 4, 2025 ballot. Moved by Council member White; seconded by Council member Peretti. Outcome: approved by council, carried 5-1. The ballot question is explicitly nonbinding.
