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REDMOND, Ore. — The City of Redmond could be seeing marijuana dispensaries in town as early as this summer after the city council on Tuesday approved moving forward on the plan. The application process will begin in 30 days.
“There are going to be some restrictions based on the number and location of the dispensaries,” City Councilor John Nielsen said before the vote. “So the restrictions to the number are going to be based on population.”
Nielsen said the council has tried to be thoughtful and considerate in how they move forward with this measure. Only two or three dispensaries will be allowed and the city created buffer zones around sensitive areas.
“So childcare facilities, schools, health and treatment facilities, mass transit and public parks,” Nielsen said. “We want to make sure that that access for kids is restricted to the greatest amount possible.”
Redmond is imposing a 3% tax on the sale of marijuana items by retailers.
“From the estimates that have been provided, it looks like about $200,000, $250,000 a year,” said Mayor Ed Fitch. “That will still help with a lot of different proposals. Moneys we would not have otherwise.” That 3% would then go back into the city’s general fund.
“Help operate a new ice rink here in town,” Fitch said. “Any kind of projects that the council is interested in. But that’s going to be an in-depth discussion late this year or probably next year during the budget cycle.”
“So I think the chief advantage is that we are respecting the will of the voters in terms of the revenue generated from the sales tax,” Nielsen said. “I think that that is a benefit. I don’t think it’s the primary reason that we should be approving these measures tonight.”
”}]] Redmond could see its first marijuana dispensaries open this summer as the city council prepares for a final vote on the plan tonight. If approved, the city will limit locations and impose a 3% sales tax. Read More
