Poulsbo council approves advisory ballot measure asking voters about banning consumer fireworks

The Poulsbo City Council voted June 4 to place an advisory ballot proposition before voters on Nov. 4, 2025, asking whether the city should prohibit the sale, possession and discharge of consumer fireworks within city limits.

City Clerk Rhiannon briefed council on two points she had been asked to research: whether the city must appoint committees to prepare statements for the voter pamphlet and whether the word "possession" was necessary in the proposition language. The Kitsap County Auditor confirmed that the city must appoint committees to prepare pro and con arguments for the voter pamphlet; if committees cannot be found the auditor's office may attempt recruitment and if still unavailable no statement would appear in the pamphlet. The city attorney recommended keeping the word "possession" in the proposition text to preserve flexibility for how a future ordinance could be written and enforced.

Councilmembers discussed the importance of outreach and education if the advisory measure proceeds, and some members reiterated interest in exploring an organized community fireworks event as an alternative to private fireworks. The council also noted that enforcement would remain a practical issue if voters favor restrictions; staffing and legal limitations could affect the ability to enforce a ban.

A motion to approve Resolution No. 2025-04, providing for submission of an advisory proposition on fireworks to the Nov. 4, 2025 ballot, passed on a roll call vote. The resolution directs city officials to take actions necessary to place the advisory question on the ballot.