Statement on the Sale of Recreational Cannabis in the City of Zion
At this evening's meeting of the Zion City Council, there was a discussion regarding the possible prohibition of sales of recreational cannabis. The following is the text of my statement on the subject, as written.
The most frequent request I have received from homeowners has been to find a way to lower their taxes. To that end, I have consistently advocated every effort to obtain; alternative revenue, grants, matching funds, and nuclear storage compensation. I have also been a strong proponent for economic development through the establishment of TIF districts and an Enterprise Zone. All of these efforts have the primary objective of restoring balance to the city’s finances, reducing the city’s portion of the tax levy, and ultimately to provide direct tax relief to homeowners. I believe that all members of this Council share this goal.
The city budget ideally is a balance between operational costs and available revenue. As stewards of the public trust we are regularly implored to “live within our means” and as has been shown in the budget for fiscal year 2018/19, we have done just that; achieving four dollars in cuts for each dollar of additional revenue from the property tax levy.
However, even after instituting cost savings and service reductions we are still faced with a structural deficit resulting from mandated pension payments and other ongoing increases in operational costs. These factors will consume a greater portion of our general fund revenues each year, making it difficult if not impossible to maintain basic city services without a commensurate increase in revenue.
If we are to hold true to our purpose of reducing the tax burden on homeowners, while maintaining the service levels that they expect and deserve, we must not now preemptively close the door on new economic development or alternative sources of revenue. To do so, in my judgement would be fiscally irresponsible and do a great disservice to the taxpayers.
Whatever personal opinions we may have regarding the propriety of the use of cannabis or cannabis derived products, either for compassionate medical reasons, or regulated recreational use, those uses will have greater legal sanction as of January 1, 2020. Under the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act (Public Act 101-0027), the city will retain the authority to adopt and enforce local ordinances to regulate possession and public consumption of cannabis, so long as those ordinances are consistent with the Act. The Act also maintains our local zoning authority, to enact reasonable zoning regulations, issue use permits, and perform inspections of cannabis-related businesses. The city will also have the authority to impose civil penalties for violations of local ordinances and regulations.
I believe that with the regulatory authority granted as noted above, and proceeding in an objective manner we can successfully locate a cannabis-related business within the city limits without undue negative effect on the public at large.
It should be noted that previous iterations of this Council have already approved the leasing and permitting for a Medical Cannabis Cultivation Center, resolutions which this current Council have confirmed and renewed. If the licensing for medical cultivation is eventually approved as expected, it follows that the license holder will probably also want to pursue an expansion of that license to include recreational cannabis or cannabis derived products. The existence of these resolutions and the consistent approvals issued by the Council for them, have established that the cultivation of this product within the City of Zion is an acceptable business enterprise. It therefore stands to reason, that legal, regulated, sales of that product or it’s derivatives would also fall under that acceptance.
Taking all of these factors into consideration, I propose moving forward in consultation with our legal counsel in crafting appropriate resolutions and ordinances relevant to the establishment of cannabis or cannabis-related businesses within the City of Zion, under the authority granted by the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act (Public Act 101-0027) as previously noted.
I ask that my written statement be included as read into the official record of this meeting. I will provide the City Clerk both a hard-copy of this document, and by electronic transmission for that purpose.
Christopher Fischer
Commissioner of Accounts & Finance, Mayor Pro-Tem
City of Zion
August 6th, 2019
Postscript.
On August 20th, 2019 at the regular meeting of the Zion City Council the following resolution was on the agenda:
The substance of the resolution affirms that recreational cannabis businesses can be established within the city limits.
The resolution was approved on a 4 to 1 vote.
The most frequent request I have received from homeowners has been to find a way to lower their taxes. To that end, I have consistently advocated every effort to obtain; alternative revenue, grants, matching funds, and nuclear storage compensation. I have also been a strong proponent for economic development through the establishment of TIF districts and an Enterprise Zone. All of these efforts have the primary objective of restoring balance to the city’s finances, reducing the city’s portion of the tax levy, and ultimately to provide direct tax relief to homeowners. I believe that all members of this Council share this goal.
The city budget ideally is a balance between operational costs and available revenue. As stewards of the public trust we are regularly implored to “live within our means” and as has been shown in the budget for fiscal year 2018/19, we have done just that; achieving four dollars in cuts for each dollar of additional revenue from the property tax levy.
However, even after instituting cost savings and service reductions we are still faced with a structural deficit resulting from mandated pension payments and other ongoing increases in operational costs. These factors will consume a greater portion of our general fund revenues each year, making it difficult if not impossible to maintain basic city services without a commensurate increase in revenue.
If we are to hold true to our purpose of reducing the tax burden on homeowners, while maintaining the service levels that they expect and deserve, we must not now preemptively close the door on new economic development or alternative sources of revenue. To do so, in my judgement would be fiscally irresponsible and do a great disservice to the taxpayers.
Whatever personal opinions we may have regarding the propriety of the use of cannabis or cannabis derived products, either for compassionate medical reasons, or regulated recreational use, those uses will have greater legal sanction as of January 1, 2020. Under the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act (Public Act 101-0027), the city will retain the authority to adopt and enforce local ordinances to regulate possession and public consumption of cannabis, so long as those ordinances are consistent with the Act. The Act also maintains our local zoning authority, to enact reasonable zoning regulations, issue use permits, and perform inspections of cannabis-related businesses. The city will also have the authority to impose civil penalties for violations of local ordinances and regulations.
I believe that with the regulatory authority granted as noted above, and proceeding in an objective manner we can successfully locate a cannabis-related business within the city limits without undue negative effect on the public at large.
It should be noted that previous iterations of this Council have already approved the leasing and permitting for a Medical Cannabis Cultivation Center, resolutions which this current Council have confirmed and renewed. If the licensing for medical cultivation is eventually approved as expected, it follows that the license holder will probably also want to pursue an expansion of that license to include recreational cannabis or cannabis derived products. The existence of these resolutions and the consistent approvals issued by the Council for them, have established that the cultivation of this product within the City of Zion is an acceptable business enterprise. It therefore stands to reason, that legal, regulated, sales of that product or it’s derivatives would also fall under that acceptance.
Taking all of these factors into consideration, I propose moving forward in consultation with our legal counsel in crafting appropriate resolutions and ordinances relevant to the establishment of cannabis or cannabis-related businesses within the City of Zion, under the authority granted by the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act (Public Act 101-0027) as previously noted.
I ask that my written statement be included as read into the official record of this meeting. I will provide the City Clerk both a hard-copy of this document, and by electronic transmission for that purpose.
Christopher Fischer
Commissioner of Accounts & Finance, Mayor Pro-Tem
City of Zion
August 6th, 2019
Postscript.
On August 20th, 2019 at the regular meeting of the Zion City Council the following resolution was on the agenda:
Consider passing RESOLUTION as follows: (a) Authorizing the City Attorney to commence drafting regulations and rules regarding cannabis business establishments per Mayor McKinney
The substance of the resolution affirms that recreational cannabis businesses can be established within the city limits.
The resolution was approved on a 4 to 1 vote.
That is the most reasonable statement regarding the issue that I've ever heard. I hope others on the City Council are in agreement with your thoughts and move forward to let this opportunity not pass by our community.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you completely.
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