DURANGO — Durango Mayor Dean Brookie says the city needs to look for more creative ways to solve budgetary needs than taxing recreational marijuana.
industry representatives spoke out during a city council meeting where council members were discussing a possible 5 percent tax on marijuana sales.
The tax would have raised about $900,000 annually for improvements to city buildings.
Durango Organics co-owner Jonny Radding said existing fees and taxes have reduced bottom lines to almost nothing. Animas Herbal and Wellness owner John Menzies says in Durango, marijuana purchases already carry a 17.9 percent sales tax and 15 percent excise tax.
Councilors decided not to put the tax to a public vote, where it would probably be approved, saying public infrastructure improvements shouldn’t be funded by one industry.
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