The Marysville City Council is looking at banning fireworks. But a ban is not the only option.

The city could further limit the hours fireworks are shot off, say from 6 p.m. to midnight July 4. Shooting them off before and after the Fourth is what many people don’t like. The solution is to fine violators; don’t just let them off with a warning.

Another possibility is a ban of only the most-terrifying fireworks. Those are the ones that scare pets and veterans, and the ones that can cause injuries or fires.

One of our state codes lists 15 fireworks manufactured in accordance with the American Pyrotechnics Association standards. The council could approve the use of those, or restrict any of them that might be confused with an illegal firework.

The city law also could state that police don’t have to witness the violation, only have evidence of it, just like many other criminal situations. That would help make the law enforceable.

We have researched cities that have only partial bans of fireworks, such as Auburn. Its law is simple and easy to enforce. If a firework goes into the air, it’s a violation. Or if it makes a loud enough bang that neighbors complain, it’s a violation.

Sure, that would not be as thrilling as the fireworks we have now, but it is better than having no fireworks. Fireworks manufacturers eventually would come up with better options for ground fireworks if those were the only ones allowed.

The city also could try to come up with a site, similar to Boom City in Tulalip, where people could take their fireworks to shoot them off. An open area with a fire truck nearby could work.

There also could be the possibility of a community display instead of personal fireworks.

Many of these ideas have been discussed and would be preferable to an outright ban. July 4 is all about celebrating our freedom as a country. To diminish that celebration for no overwhelming reason is wrong.

Facts don’t back up some of the community’s fears. Last summer Marysville residents were very responsible with fireworks. Because of extreme dry weather, there was a real concern about fireworks causing fires. But damage was minimal. In fact, property damage and costs are minimal most years.

This community is split on fireworks. The number of people who shoot them off July 4, after Seahawk wins and on New Year’s prove that. A survey the city did online was split almost down the middle, with a slight advantage to not banning fireworks. A city committee also looked into the issue and was split.

The only survey approving a fireworks ban was during the November election. It was supposed to be an “advisory” vote only, and 59.25 percent of participants favor a ban. But 4,077 people voted against a ban.

Obviously, that is a majority, and the council must respond. But as a government body it needs to respect what the entire community wants. And with such a divisive issue it should think out of the box on a way to respect each side.

Some type of moderation is needed in a decision. Not doing anything isn’t the answer, but neither is a total ban.

There’s still time to let your council know how you feel. You can email them by using the first initial of their first name, followed by @marysvillewa.gov. For example, Stephen Muller is smuller@marysvillewa.gov. The other council members are: Kamille Norton, Jeff Seibert, Michael Stevens, Rob Toyer, Jeff Vaughan and Donna Wright.