Josephine County voters will likely decide a proposed ordinance that would impose a 3% tax on retail marijuana and marijuana products.
The Board of Commissioners this morning unanimously approved a resolution to refer the ordinance to local voters in the November General Election. The tax would not be imposed on medical marijuana operations.
County Legal Counsel Wally Hicks said Oregon law requires municipalities to refer marijuana taxation measures to voters. Once the resolution is signed by the Commissioners, he said there is a 7-day ballot title challenge period before the measure, ballot title and explanatory statement are forwarded to the County Clerk.
In other business, the Board passed the 1st reading of an ordinance which would allow agricultural development on industrial properties within Josephine County. Community Development Director Julie Schmelzer said only 3.5% of lands in the county are exclusively zoned for agriculture and the conversion of industrial lands to farm use will greatly benefit the community.
Commissioner Simon Hare said marijuana production in Josephine County may have driven the ordinance, but it would benefit local agriculture across the board. Schmelzer added the county is interested in promoting value-added agriculture of all kinds. The 2nd reading of the ordinance was scheduled for August 31st.
The Commissioners also approved a contract for WH Pacific to provide design of taxiways and other projects at the Grants Pass Airport and they approved a task order for Precision Approach Engineering for design services at the Illinois Valley Airport. Airports Manager Larry Graves said modernizing the local airports is key to their survival.
The Board started the meeting by approving a proclamation naming Saturday, August 20th, as National Honeybee Awareness Day in Josephine County.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker
Full Article: Board Votes To Refer Marijuana Taxation Measure To Electorate In November
Author: Sam Marsh
Contact: 541-476-6608
Photo Credit: Timothy Norris
Website: KAJO
