Warren County and Warrenton users of recreational marijuana later this year will find themselves paying more in sales taxes for their purchases.
A majority of voters in the county and city passed …
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Warren County and Warrenton users of recreational marijuana later this year will find themselves paying more in sales taxes for their purchases.
A majority of voters in the county and city passed recreational marijuana sales taxes as part of the April 4 election ballot. Both measures are due to go into effect Oct. 1, according to officials.
In the countywide proposal, 2,185 voters were in support compared to 1,465 who were opposed. In Warrenton, the measure had 593 voters in favor and 333 against.
The separate sales taxes – 3% for the county and 3% for Warrenton – will be in addition to the normal sales taxes and a separate 6% marijuana tax already being charged by the state government. The state also has a 4% tax on medical marijuana sales.
Although the amount of money is still unclear, government leaders say the new revenue streams will be put to good uses where most needed.
Warren County Presiding Commissioner Joe Gildehaus said there were big hopes heading into the election that the tax would pass, even despite generally admitting that no one likes to pay more in taxes.
“The (recreational marijuana) sales are definitely exceeding right now,” Gildehaus stated. He added spending the revenue for a variety of needs remains an open question “until we know what that dollar amount may be.”
But Warren County’s roads, in just one possible illustration, could come in for some of the revenue, said Gildehaus. Other typical county budget items might also be prime candidates for the funds, he said.
Northern Commissioner Matt Flake said the county will gradually learn more about the incoming revenue and make the necessary preparations.
“The next several weeks, we’ll get more information,” Flake said. “We’re going to set up a separate (budget) line” so as to distinguish among the county’s other line items for various sales taxes.
For Warrenton, City Administrator Brandie Walters said the marijuana sales tax revenues will be deposited into the general fund. She said that means the funds will go toward paying the likes of police department operations, administrative costs, grounds and maintenance, buildings, planning and development, and municipal court.
Mayor Eric Schleuter confirmed that Warrenton’s marijuana money will not be earmarked for anything but general revenue purposes.
He said “there are plans” by the city for the spending. For instance, some of the uses could cover street and park improvements, Schleuter said.
“We have a round-about idea” for the tax, he added. “We’re pretty transparent with our audits. We try to be fiscally responsible.”