DAVISON, Mich. (WNEM) – Communities across Michigan have marijuana dispensaries, and with legal weed comes taxes.
According to the Michigan Department of Treasury, over $87 million was distributed among nearly 270 municipalities and counties across the state from last year’s sales.
Soon, signs welcoming people into Davison will be switched out with new ones, paid for by marijuana tax revenue.
“Instead of just throwing that money into something else or the general fund, we’re going to show you a difference in the community with this money,” said Davison Mayor Tim Bishop.
A new welcome is in the works for the city of Davison.
Davison City Council approved the use of marijuana tax revenue for new signage at the north, south, east, and western city limits.
“The ones we have now are getting a little old and outdated and the one we have on the south side is a little small and goes unnoticed,” Bishop said.
He said this is the first time the city has received revenue from the medical marijuana excise tax.
Right now, Davison has one dispensary, bringing in approximately $57,000 for the city to use.
“This probably would not have been on our radar just yet to do these signs. So, when you get that extra money, it’s just extra money. It’s taxed money that’s coming in, but it’s like a little bonus that we get. And I feel—and there’s other people on the administration and the council that feel—that, let’s throw this money back out there instead of just throwing it in here,” Bishop said.
Davison city council member Stacey Kalisz said the signs will be red, white, and blue with brick on the bottom and feature the City of Flags emblem.
“it’s giving a new direction, a new look to the city,” Kalisz said.
Bishop and Kalsiz hope when people see the signs, they’ll feel pride in the community.
“We just want you to know we’re a clean, organized town, and we’re proud of it. And we want to tout the fact that we’re the City of Flags,” Bishop said.
“I hope they’re happy, I hope they see we’re giving back to the community as something that is an investment that everyone is going to see as they drive by there every day,” Kalsiz said.
And they hope the funds coming in from the marijuana tax will continue to help the city for years to come.
“There’s other things we’d like to earmark it for. Maybe the parks. Maybe the little park in Manford that does individual fundraisers. Maybe we put it downtown,” Bishop said.
TV5 was told the hope is to get the signs installed next year.
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Communities across Michigan have marijuana dispensaries, and with legal weed comes taxes. Read More