Alamosa council votes to refer medical and recreational marijuana retail questions to November ballot

Mayor Coleman presided as the City Manager reviewed the local history and possible fiscal impacts of authorizing retail marijuana in Alamosa, then the council debated whether to place questions on the upcoming November ballot.

Councilor Jan Vigil moved to "refer a question of legalizing retail outlets for medical and or recreational marijuana to voters on the upcoming November ballot," seconded by Councilor Jamie Dominguez; after extended discussion the motion passed (vote recorded on the meeting display with Mayor Coleman, Councilor Krebs and Councilor Carson noted as voting no and the measure carried by the council). The clerk displayed the vote result to the chamber.

City Manager Sanchez summarized earlier local votes and turnout data and told council that staff estimated costs to put measures on the November ballot at roughly $5,000–$10,000 and noted prior revenue estimates (a 2017 projection of about $300,000 if retail sales had been authorized). Sanchez also advised that county coordination requires notification by July 26 and ballot content certification by September 6 for the coordinated election.

In follow-up motions the council directed staff to prepare language for a sales-tax question tied to any retail authorization and also asked staff to draft a moratorium ordinance that would take effect if voters approve retail sales, giving council time to adopt zoning and administrative regulations. City Attorney Swedo explained the difference between a council-referral (where council sets language) and a citizen petition (where petitioners set the language) and noted the petition timing and signature thresholds for future special elections.

Council members voiced differing views during the discussion. Councilor Vigil argued that higher turnout in a presidential-year November election would produce a clearer expression of community preference and said "this is round three—let the voters decide." Councilor Michael Carson said he was personally opposed but would vote to refer the question so residents could decide, noting his concern about downtown storefronts and the fiscal cost of a special election if petitioners later forced one. Councilor Jamie Dominguez and others emphasized access for medicinal users and the importance of a clear community decision.

Public safety and enforcement questions were raised; Police Chief Dean Dingfelder said modern state enforcement mechanisms are in place and staff did not express capacity concerns about regulation, while staff noted other jurisdictions had used moratoria to buy time to adopt zoning and enforcement rules.

Next steps: staff will prepare ballot language for medical and recreational retail questions, draft optional sales-tax language and a moratorium ordinance for council review, and notify the county by July 26 if council proceeds with coordinated-November placement.