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Council sends fireworks advisory question to Nov. 4 ballot, Clerk explains committee process
Summary
Poulsbo council approved a nonbinding advisory proposition asking voters whether the council should prohibit sale, possession and discharge of consumer fireworks; the city clerk said county rules require appointed committees to prepare arguments and the city attorney advised keeping the word 'possession' for future ordinance flexibility.
The Poulsbo City Council voted to place an advisory ballot proposition on the Nov. 4, 2025 ballot asking voters whether the council should pass an ordinance prohibiting the sale, possession and discharge of consumer fireworks within city limits.
City Clerk Rhiannon (S12) explained earlier research at staff request: the Kitsap County Auditor confirmed the city must appoint committees to prepare statements advocating for and against a ballot proposition; if the city cannot find committees the Auditor will try to find them and, failing that, no statements would appear in the voter pamphlet. Rhiannon also said the city attorney recommended retaining the word "possession" in the proposition language to preserve flexibility when drafting future ordinances so that lawful purchasers are not automatically penalized in all circumstances.
Councilmember Stern (S2) urged consideration of a city-organized alternative fireworks event if voters favor banning private fireworks, saying a community display could provide a safe, controlled outlet. Councilmembers discussed outreach and enforcement questions; one member noted enforcement capacity is a substantive constraint even if voters favor a ban.
The council moved and approved Resolution No. 2025-04 to place the advisory proposition on the November ballot; staff will follow county timelines for ballot materials and committee appointments.
Next steps: staff to coordinate with the county auditor on committee appointments and voter-pamphlet deadlines and to draft potential ordinance language if the advisory measure receives favorable voter response.
