MEXICO — The Board of Selectmen and the police chief are reminding residents that using fireworks in town is illegal and could result in fines.
Selectman Reggie Arsenault issued the reminder at Tuesday’s board meeting.
“Any court costs incurred by the town can be passed on to anyone charged with firing off fireworks,” he said. “I’ve heard fireworks going off numerous times this weekend, and to anyone who has dogs in the area, I’m sure they’ll be reacting when they go off.”
Police Chief Roy Hodsdon said he uploaded several town ordinances to the Mexico Police Department Facebook page, including the fireworks ban ordinance.
“I’m just wondering if people don’t realize that this ban exists,” Arsenault said.
“That excuse is worn out at this point in time,” Hodsdon said. “It’s been around for a couple of years. People should know about it.”
Hodsdon said Thursday afternoon that his officers were “inundated” with complaints about people setting off fireworks.
“This past weekend, my night officer was chasing down fireworks for hours,” Hodsdon said. “We’re at the point now where the town knows they’re not allowed to use it. The town voted the ordinance in for a reason, so we’re done issuing written warnings. We’ve set up additional details, and if we catch you using fireworks, we’ll be issuing summonses.”
Residents approved a ordinance banning fireworks use in Mexico during the November 2012 election. Violations are subject to a $250 fine plus lawyer’s fees for the first offense, and a $500 fine plus lawyer’s fees for all subsequent violations.
mdaigle@sunjournal.com
Send questions/comments to the editors.
Comments are no longer available on this story