Douglas County commissioners might be interested in expanding the dates that fireworks can be sold and lit in the county to ensure a weekend day is included, they largely agreed during their meeting Wednesday.
A change to Kansas statutes now expands the state’s authorized fireworks sales to June 20 through July 7, previously June 27 through July 5.
Douglas County, exercising home rule authority, currently only allows sales and discharge of fireworks from July 1 through 4.
County staff members reported that extending permitted sales dates could lead to an increase in sales tax revenue, but also has the potential for an increase in county staff time and emergency responder calls. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office opposes expanding the sales window, according to the item on the commission’s agenda.
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Fireworks vendors had mixed opinions about the possibility. Some had concerns about increased staffing costs to operate for extra days, but some also asked for an additional day, preferably July 5, to be added.
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Larry Bartz, who owns four Bartz Fireworks stands, told commissioners they should look at the dates when fireworks are allowed if they’re going to expand the sales window. He said if people are allowed to buy them but not light them, it can be confusing for folks.
Bartz and some other vendors noted that it would be helpful to ensure the sales period includes a weekend day for folks who aren’t able to make it to buy during weekdays. Having a couple of extra days for sales could also help recoup losses for years when it’s raining on the holiday, as well.
Eric Garrett, of Garrett’s Fireworks, asked commissioners to expand the sales dates to the full window allowed under state law.
Commissioners did not make any final decisions on Wednesday but agreed that they want to seek additional input from cities and members of the public. Some indicated they’d be interested in expanding the sales window to include a weekend each year.
Commissioner Erica Anderson said her district includes 11 of 15 fireworks vendors in the county, and she wants to see public engagement with community members and fireworks vendors.
Commissioner Patrick Kelly said it will be a couple of years before the weekend date is an issue and staff could look at it, but he said he wanted to be respectful of the impacts that a longer discharge window could have on first responders.
Commission Vice Chair Karen Willey recalled how many Lawrence residents became upset when the city’s fireworks display was moved to the Douglas County Fairgrounds, close by the Lawrence Humane Society, in 2023.
“I think we’re likely to hear a lot of folks that don’t necessarily want to see us expanding this,” she said.
Willey also said she thinks changes to the sales dates and discharge dates would probably need to go hand in hand.
Commissioner Gene Dorsey said he’d be in favor of expanding sales dates to compete with neighboring counties and Missouri, and that expanding the sales dates doesn’t necessarily mean vendors have to sell on those days. He said he’d like to look into it more.
Wednesday’s agenda item was just to seek the commission’s feedback. County Administrator Sarah Plinsky said county staff would provide some suggested language and some options in the future.
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