Mattawa City Council to allow for-profit fireworks vendor

MATTAWA — The Mattawa City Council approved a change to the city’s fireworks ordinance, allowing one for-profit fireworks vendor to sell in the city, after Royal City resident Richard Andersen told members at the May 20 meeting he would like to sell fireworks to help the Royal School District buy fireworks for its homecoming events.

“I want to be able to sell fireworks to give a discount to the school,” Andersen said. “The prices this year went up 30%. I’m trying to save them money.”

Andersen said while he had all the permits and had “been through all the hoops,” he wasn’t able to sell fireworks in the city because he wasn’t a non-profit organization.

Mattawa City Attorney Katherine Kenison said the ordinance was written in a way to allow nonprofits to sell fireworks without the possibility of for-profit stands taking their spaces.

“It’s not a legal issue,” Kenison said. “The council is free to amend the policy if it chooses.”

The ordinance also only allows two fireworks stands in the city. Council member Tony Acosta suggested one of the two spots be for a for-profit stand on a first-come, first-served basis.

The council approved the change despite being after the May 1 deadline, as Andersen began pursuing a stand about two months prior.

“This is something the community wants,” said council member Brian Berghout.