An increase in permit fees for fireworks stands both in and around the Emporia City Limits may well be on the way based on recent conversations between governing entities.
During the first quarterly meeting of the Lyon County and Emporia City Commissions Wednesday, the city presented a proposed memorandum of understanding reflecting a 30 percent in fees to county commissioners. According to City Attorney Christina Montgomery, the increase comes as a result of a rise in cost for the city’s annual fireworks display and a decrease in annual permits.
If approved, the increase would see two zones created the first encompassing the Emporia city limits and a one-mile radius beyond it. The second zone would encompass all unincorporated areas outside of that one-mile radius.
The cost for permits would be $3,250 for stands within the one-mile radius and $325 for stands located beyond it. County Commission Chair Rollie Martin says the MOU looks agreeable and will help the city and county continue to provide a quality community event.
The county will take up the matter during a future commission meeting, likely next week according to Martin. In other business, Lyon County Sheriff Jeff Cope presented an update on the county’s animal control services following the dispute in contracted services with the Humane Society of the Flint Hills.
According to Cope, the county is planning to contract with a private entity that will allow the county to meet “all statutory requirements,” however, there are some services the county will not be able to provide.
Cope plans to present a formal contract with the unnamed private entity to county commissioners next week.
Separately, commissioners overheard a presentation on the possibility of wastewater testing for COVID-19, a process presented to county commissioners by Lyon County Public Health Incident Commander Renee Hively last month. Additional details can be found online at KVOE.com.
