Marijuana taxes would really boost Dove Creek’s town budget if three questions on the November ballot pass.
An estimated $350,000 could result in the first year.
First, Ordinance 240 allows recreational and medical marijuana sales, plus cultivation, manufacturing and testing, and must pass.
Then, Ordinance 239 would add an up to 5 percent tax from the wholesaler to the retailer, estimated to bring $100,000 the first year.
Ordinance 242 would add a maximum $10 tax on recreational and medical marijuana sales to cover the industry’s increased services and costs. The first year’s receipt would be about $250,000.
Can a town with about 650 people generate considerable taxes from marijuana? Geography and ideologies could make it possible.
No marijuana sales are allowed in Dolores County or in rural Montezuma County, although they’re available in Cortez.
And Utah is tough: Use without a medical card could mean a fine and jail time.
We say vote “yes” on ordinances 240, 239 and 242 .
Ordinance 238 would increase Dove Creek’s sales tax from 2 percent to 3.1 percent, adding about $175,000 the first year. One percent would be for street maintenance and capital construction, and would not add to the town’s general fund. Revenues from the one-tenth of a percent (0.1) would go to parks and recreation.
Decent streets are necessary, as are recreational programs and facilities.
“Yes” to Ordinance 238.
