During the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors meeting on December 17, 2024, urgent calls for action emerged from local community members, highlighting significant challenges facing workers and the cannabis industry.

One of the most pressing issues raised was the need for better wages for county workers. A library assistant emphasized the importance of fair compensation, urging the board to prioritize employee satisfaction and fulfillment of promises made to workers. “If you want to make your workers happy, maybe you shouldn't promise things and not deliver them every three years,” they stated, reflecting a broader sentiment of frustration among employees.

The cannabis industry also faced intense scrutiny, with Catherine Anello, a representative from the sector, detailing the dire state of local dispensaries. Anello reported a staggering 35% closure rate among county farms over the past three years, with five dispensaries on the brink of shutting down just this past week. She criticized the county's 5% gross receipts tax on dispensaries, arguing that it is unsustainable and detrimental to business. “At the end of a quarter, there is no net profit,” she explained, highlighting the struggle to remain competitive against other dispensaries that do not face the same tax burden.

Anello called for a special agenda meeting to address these issues, stressing the need for immediate action to support the cannabis community, which has historically contributed to the local economy. “Something has to be done or these businesses will go away,” she warned, underscoring the urgency of the situation.

The discussions at the meeting reflect a growing concern over economic sustainability in Mendocino County, with both workers and business owners seeking solutions to ensure a thriving community. As the board considers these issues, the implications for local employment and the cannabis market remain critical.