(Update: Adding comments from workshop)
Public weighs in after invited law enforcement, other officials speak
REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Redmond City Council returned to the controversial topic of whether to allow marijuana dispensaries at a two-hour workshop Tuesday evening at City Hall, hearing from members of the public and some invited guests.
Twice before, city leaders have turned down marijuana dispensaries. But with a new, yet familiar mayor, Ed Fitch, who has long supported allowing them, the issue returned for more council discussion.
Deschutes County District Attorney Steve Gunnels told councilors that dispensary operators have been cooperative with law enforcement and that while there’s no evidence they sell to juveniles, the issue they have seen is that those over 21 can provide it to those who are underage.
Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz also said dispensary operators had been very cooperative in helping enforce laws against illegal marijuana grows. He cited call volumes to dispensaries as similar to liquor stores, usually issues nearby and not at the stores themselves.
Bend Chief Financial Officer Sharon Wojda noted that the voter-approved 3% retail tax on legal marijuana sales brought in a peak revenue of $1.5 million a couple years ago, far more than the $200,000 or so in state shared revenue that year, but said revenues were down this year as a drop in prices impacts revenues, despite steady sales volumes.
When public…
