Council declines to advance ordinance to allow state liquor store as conditional use

Monroe City Council considered Ordinance 5 03 2026 on May 26, which would have amended the city’s Land Use Zoning Ordinance to permit a state liquor store as a conditional use in the commercial zone. The motion to adopt the ordinance was moved by Councilmember Perry Payne but failed for lack of a second, so no roll‑call vote was taken.

The Planning Commission had held a public hearing and recommended allowing a state liquor store as a conditional use, noting that the definition and specific conditions remained to be finalized. During council discussion, Councilmember Payne said he favored tying any conditional‑use permit to the specific applicant and location so that a change of operator or site would require new approval. Councilmember Ryan Johnson said he had received multiple constituent calls opposing the proposal and asked for clearer demonstration of community benefit.

Stephanie Elliot, owner of Green Valley Gas, told the council she had seen significant customer demand at her establishment and said state licensure is held to a high standard. Councilmembers discussed the difference between making the use fully permitted—allowing future operators to proceed without local approvals—and retaining conditional status, which would route applicants back through the Planning Commission and local review.

Because the motion to adopt the ordinance failed for lack of a second, the ordinance did not advance; the Planning Commission recommendation and council discussion remain on record for any future reintroduction.

Actions: Consideration of Ordinance 5 03 2026; motion to adopt moved by Perry Payne, no second, motion failed (no formal roll call).