City increases firework permit to $500

With the Fourth of July slightly more than three months away, McMinnville officials will be taking a bigger bite from people selling fireworks inside the city limits.

The fee for a city fireworks permit had been a flat fee of $200, no matter the size of the tent, trailer or temporary structure used. That amount will now be increased to $500 for facilities up to 1,200 square feet, with an additional 50 cents per square foot after that.

Also, insurance with a minimum of $1 million in product liability and $1 million in general liability will now be required. Although the city asked for proof of this insurance in the past, the ordinance did not require it.

The changes come after aldermen hesitated on the recommendation of city administrator David Rutherford to change the fee to $1 a square foot with a minimum of $1,200. Rutherford made this suggestion after calling other cities and discovering their fees were around $1,500 compared to the city’s $200.

‘I think raising the fee to $1,200 is too steep,’ said Alderman Bobby Kirby. ‘I’ve had some fireworks stands in the past,’ he added. ‘I’ve done a few. For that price, I wouldn’t do it.’

Alderman Jimmy Haley added, ‘I did have someone tell me that if others got wind of this, those who had been selling fireworks inside the city limits would just move their stand outside the city limits.’

The move could very well drive more fireworks stands to set up outside the city due to the significant difference in cost. According to county officials, no insurance is required and a business license can be obtained for $20, or a vendor license for $50. The one-time vendor license is good for 14 days.

With aldermen hesitant to pass something that might end with all vendors moving outside the city limits, Rutherford then suggested $500 for up to 2,000 square feet and $1 for every additional square foot. After a brief discussion, officials settled for $500 for 1,200 square feet, and 50 cents for every additional square foot.

The ordinace passed, 4-1, on its second and final reading Tuesday night. Alderman Billy Wood voted against it, and Vice Mayor Donald Hillis was absent.

‘I didn’t like the insurance requirements,’ said Wood. ‘I don’t think that’s any of our business. That’s between the leasor and leasee. I think it’s a private business matter.’