–The Algona City Council approved the first reading of an amended ordinance dealing with the use of fireworks during their meeting on Monday. City Administrator Jacob Tjaden addressed the council, and he says they have to amend the language in the city’s ordinance to reflect recent changes approved by the state legislature.
The recent changes approved in Des Moines will now prevent cities from completely banning the use of fireworks.
Councilman Harley Kohlhaas says he was surprised the state decided take away local control on the issue.
When the Iowa Legislature legalized the sale of fireworks back in 2017, they allowed cities and counties to regulate where they could be used. State Representative Bill Gustoff, a Republican from Des Moines, led the bill through the House, saying it will allow Iowans to celebrate the nation’s founding without running the risk of breaking local law.
