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Warrenton commission refers marijuana sales tax fix to November ballot after legal mismatch found
Summary
City managers told commissioners the local code shows a 10% marijuana sales tax that exceeds the state—ap; the commission voted 3—or, 2 gainst to send a measure to voters to reset the local rate in line with state law.
The City Commission of Warrenton voted to refer a measure to the November ballot to correct the city's marijuana sales tax code after staff said the ordinance currently cites a 10% tax that exceeds the state-authorized 3% limit.
City manager (speaker identified in the record) told the commission the city has no retail marijuana sales yet but that the 10% rate on the books is not consistent with state law. "So currently, we have on the books a 10%, which is actually not considered legal per state code or state law regarding the amount you can, incur against marijuana tax," the manager said. Staff said the proposed referral would allow voters to set the city rate consistent with state limits and clarified that a "no" vote would leave the city with an unenforceable 10% rate.
Commissioners asked whether a no vote could affect state revenue-sharing and whether the ballot statement could clarify consequences for a no vote; staff said they would check with legal. Commissioner S3 (identified in the record as a concerned commissioner) said putting the item on the ballot could cost the city and cause confusion, noting planning commission work and prior local effort.
The commission adopted Resolution 2738 to refer the measure to voters. The record shows the motion carried 3–2. The vote was described in the meeting minutes and the clerk will publish the ballot title and explanatory language according to legal requirements.
