In the Nov. 8 election, Silverton and Mt. Angel voters will decide whether their respective cities will tack a 3 percent tax onto the states 17 percent recreational marijuana tax.
The Silverton City Council already approved recreational marijuana sales inside the city limits, effective last October, following the passage of Measure 91. A yes vote on the tax measure in November will add an additional tax that goes into city coffers.
In Mt. Angel, voters will be asked two questions. First, do they want to legalize recreational marijuana businesses in their town? And, second, should these businesses be taxed?
More than 55 percent of Mt. Angel voters voted no on Oregons Measure 91, a margin that allows the city to ban within its limits the kind of marijuana growth, production and sales the statewide measure allows. Mt. Angels council voted in December to put the question to the community in the next election.
This type of a decision belongs with the voters as it is definitely a topic and activity that impacts the entire community, said Mayor Andy Otte I do not think marijuana sales is something that fits into the fabric and traditional values of Mt. Angel.
Even Mt. Angel voters who plan to vote no on marijuana businesses in town may want to vote yes on the tax in case the ban doesnt pass, said interim City Manager Mike Healy.
If the voters do not approve the ban on marijuana sales and there is not a measure on the ballot this November for approving a tax, the city will be unable to collect any revenue or have the opportunity to refer such a tax until November of 2018, he said.
In discussion August 1, councilors worried that voters will be confused by the presence of two seemingly conflicting measure on the ballot. However, if the ban passes, the 3 percent tax wont go into effect, Healy said.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker
Full Article: Local Voters To Decide Marijuana Tax And Sale November 8
Author: Christena Brooks
Contact: Statesman Journal
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Website: Statesman Journal