Columbus Junction is working to make lighting fireworks in the city limits easier. The Columbus Junction City Council passed an ordinance on its first reading that will remove the permit process for discharging fireworks. Last year was the first year citizens were allowed to discharge fireworks in the city limits, according to Mayor Mark Huston. In order to do so, the person had to get a permit issued by the city. This new ordinance would allow residents to set off fireworks from July 1st through 7th from 9 a.m. until 10 p.m. On the 4th of July those hours would be extended until 11 p.m. It also adds a period of time where fireworks can be set off to bring in the new year. Fireworks would be allowed December 28th until January 3rd until 10 p.m., and until 12:30 a.m. on New Year’s Day. The ordinance must pass two more readings by the city council for it to take effect.