CUSHING —Voters in Cushing will decide whether to adopt a Holiday Fireworks Ordinance, as well as amend a Coastal Waters Management Ordinance, when they go to the polls Nov. 5. Cushing is one of a handful of Knox County towns that has municipal measures on the ballot, as well as the five statewide bond measures.

The fireworks ordinance follows discussions in town about the noise of fireworks and their tendency to startle animals, especially horses and dogs. Selectmen have fielded concerns about fireworks and the town is consequently putting a measure before voters that would regulate them to certain times.

The proposed ordinance would prohibit the sale of consumer fireworks or fireworks in Cushing. If passed, fireworks would also be allowed, but under the following conditions:

Only those display fireworks specifically permitted by the Maine Commissioner of Public Safety.

Consumer fireworks would be allowed to be used by a property owner on that person’s property, or the property of a person who has consented to their use on his or her property from noon until 12:30 a.m. on July 4, Dec. 31, and the weekends immediately before and after July 4 and Dec. 31.

Otherwise, the setting off of fireworks would be considered disorderly conduct, and could result in fines of no less than $200 per day.

See attached PDF to read the entire ordinance.

The Coastal Waters Management Ordinance regulates how the town oversees moorings and establishes fees for public use of its waterfront.