Great Falls commissioners direct staff to prepare ballot language to restrict aerial and explosive fireworks after public debate

Great Falls commissioners moved on July 22 to direct city staff to prepare ballot referral language for a more restrictive fireworks ordinance that would prohibit aerial and explosive consumer fireworks, while allowing certain ground-based "safe and sane" items.

The move came after extended public comment from vendors, residents, veterans and public-safety officials, and after the fire chief described a July 2 house fire that investigators say had "probable cause" tied to fireworks. Fire Chief Jones said investigators found burn patterns consistent with fireworks and told commissioners, "She was not outside and did not go back in for a cat," directly disputing a widely circulated rumor.

The ballot-track decision reflects a split among commissioners over whether the body should legislate or defer to voters. Greg, a city staff member speaking for administration, summarized the choices presented to the Commission as: do nothing; adopt local legislation up to and including a ban; or "ask the voters" by referring an ordinance to the ballot. Commissioners coalesced around "Option 3," described by Commissioner Wilson as a measure that would prohibit devices that leave the ground ("rockets, shells, cakes, missiles, Roman candles, and bottle rockets") and loud explosive items such as salutes and firecrackers, while allowing lower-risk ground devices.

Supporters of a restriction or ban pointed to noise, repeated late-night disturbances, threats to residents with PTSD and the July 2 fatality; several callers urged limiting or banning private fireworks and expanding a single public display at sunset. Opponents — including seasonal vendors and an industry representative for TNT Fireworks — warned bans push users outside city limits into higher-risk rural terrain, harm local nonprofits and fundraisers that rely on seasonal sales, and are often unenforceable without substantial new staffing or fines. "Prohibition does not work," said Bridal Oliverson of TNT Fireworks, arguing the company could partner on safety education.

Commissioners repeatedly raised enforcement and cost concerns. One commissioner cited a staff memo estimating that robust enforcement would cost roughly $28,000; Police and Fire leaders said enforcement is labor-intensive, often reactive, and can require targeted staffing during dry years. Police Chief Newton told commissioners that while investigators worked with the fire department on the July 2 case, they "were unable to determine where the fireworks came from, who started" them and, at this point, had no probable-cause basis for criminal charges.

The Commission asked staff to prepare draft resolution and ordinance materials for Option 3 and scheduled follow-up meetings: a special meeting next Tuesday for initial consideration and a public hearing on the regular August 5 agenda, with August timing explained as necessary to meet an 85-day deadline for the November general election referral. City Attorney David explained the referral process (a resolution referring an ordinance to the voters) and confirmed the August schedule is legally feasible.

The Commission did not take a final formal vote to place the measure on the ballot at the July 22 session; it directed staff to prepare materials and return for formal readings and votes. If the referred measure is placed on the ballot and then rejected by voters, the city confirmed current rules would remain in place.

Next steps: staff will draft ballot language and associated documents for Option 3 and present them at the upcoming special meeting and the August 5 hearing for potential final action.