NIXA, Mo. — City staff presented a first reading Tuesday of an ordinance that would extend the authorized period for both sale and discharge of consumer fireworks into July 5 in years when July 4 falls on a Friday, allowing sales and discharges through the following Saturday evening.

City Administrator Jimmy Lutz said the proposal stems from citizen requests and conversations with fireworks vendors. “By extending the discharge of fireworks by a day, it actually may help with the amount of calls for service that the officers respond to,” Lutz said, explaining that when July 4 falls on a Friday people often continue celebrations into Saturday, prompting calls about illegal discharges.

Lutz acknowledged some confusion in staff’s written memo about the existing hours and dates for sale and discharge, and asked council to rely on the ordinance language being considered. Under current code staff summarized, the sale of fireworks occurs between June 20 and July 4 and discharges are allowed through July 4; the ordinance before council would change the sale and the discharge period to include July 5 in the year discussed.

Mayor and council members discussed the economic impact on temporary fireworks sellers. One council member noted many stands hire local youth and sometimes staff stays on site 24 hours, and said allowing an extra day would help sellers clear inventory. No members of the public spoke during the public hearing portion that the council opened and closed at the meeting.

The item was presented for first reading and staff answered questions; no final vote was recorded at the meeting.