Cole County commissioners adopt fireworks ordinance, approve grants and equipment purchases

The Cole County Commission on Aug. 5 adopted a new Cole County Property Protection Ordinance banning the ignition of fireworks on paved county roads, tightening rules on debris burning and prohibiting fires or fireworks within 10 feet of drainage structures, and took a series of other routine administrative actions including approving grant applications and equipment purchases.

The ordinance replaces a prior county burning ordinance from June 14, 2004 and was adopted after commissioners said they had received increased complaints about fireworks being set off in roadways and concerns that large fireworks could damage paved surfaces. Commissioners voted in favor by voice; the record shows the motions passed by voice vote but individual roll-call tallies were not specified in the transcript.

Beyond the ordinance, the commission authorized staff to apply for an ASPCA grant to offset animal shelter costs stemming from recent cruelty cases, approved the signing of multiple contracts including a $25,000 engagement with Inghouse Interactive for a Telstraat Engage service, and signed a contract for a 2025-16 fire alarm system replacement previously awarded to…