Camp Verde council directs staff not to pursue retail marijuana code changes after Matforce and marshal cite youth concerns

The Town of Camp Verde’s council discussed whether to allow retail recreational marijuana during its Dec. 11, 2024 work session and, after hearing staff and community input, directed staff not to move forward with modifying Town Code to permit retail marijuana establishments.

Economic Development Director Molly Davies opened item 5 by summarizing the results of a community survey on retail recreational marijuana that highlighted resident concerns about potential impacts and summarized written feedback. Councilor Robert Foreman suggested that if the council were to rewrite the ordinance it should consider striking provision C2; Vice Mayor Marie Moore and others asked to hear from the Town Marshal and local prevention organizations before acting.

Executive Director Merilee Fowler of Matforce said the organization’s focus is to protect youth from addiction and presented data on marijuana use among youths in Yavapai County and Camp Verde, urging the council to refrain from allowing retail marijuana establishments in town. Town Marshal Rowley told the council that youth safety is his top priority and expressed concern that opening a retail store could lead to youths bearing the consequences of adult decisions.

After discussion, Mayor Dee Jenkins stated the direction from the council was to not move forward with modifying Town Code to allow retail marijuana establishments. The council recessed at 6:40 p.m. and reconvened at 6:52 p.m.; no formal ordinance amendment vote was taken during the work session.