County grants staff presented a proposed approach for distributing Carroll County's Community Reinvestment and Repair Fund (CRRF), a restricted stream of state cannabis tax revenue. Staff said the county's current CRRF balance is approximately $2,000,000 (including two years of receipts and interest) and estimated ongoing receipts near $225,000 per year.

Because the state statute limits eligible uses, staff recommended narrowing potential purpose areas to three priorities: housing and homelessness; behavioral health; and youth and after‑school services. Staff described a two‑tier RFP approach: Tier 1 awards (one per purpose area) of up to $125,000 per year for three years; and Tier 2 smaller capacity grants (up to $25,000) to help local nonprofits build readiness. Staff said RFPs would require a local nonprofit presence, evidence‑based frameworks, data collection and community partnerships.

Public comments were sharply divided. Rick Glass told the board adult cannabis education should be permitted as a workforce development use, arguing that accurate product and safety information protects workers, veterans and low‑income residents. By contrast, William Stansbury and other speakers urged refusal of the funds or opposed distributing them to nonprofits; they warned of social harms and legal concerns. Catherine Adelaide (caller) urged caution and asked the board not to vote until legal questions about federal law were addressed.

Commissioners wrestled with legal, programmatic and reputational considerations, including the state's restriction against funding law enforcement through CRRF, the presence of youth prevention programs funded elsewhere, and the practical limits of the $2 million pool. Multiple commissioners asked staff to develop more specific RFP guidance, scoring metrics and performance measures to clarify expected outcomes.

After discussion, the board did not approve any awards. Instead commissioners agreed to continue the conversation and scheduled a follow‑up discussion for Dec. 4 to allow time for additional work on RFP language, performance metrics and legal clarifications.