Visalia Moves to Manage Retail Cannabis Sales Future
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7.17.24
On Monday, July 15, 2024, the Visalia City Council adopted a resolution to place the Visalia Cannabis Tax Authorization for Maintenance of Essential Services on the November 5, 2024, ballot.
The Measure, if adopted by a majority of voters, will tax cannabis businesses at a rate not exceeding 10% of gross receipts, or up to $10 per square foot for cultivation and require spending disclosures. If the measure passes, this tax will only be levied if state law mandates or the City Council approves an ordinance allowing cannabis retail business operations within Visalia city limits.
The revenues collected off cannabis sales could reach $500,000 and help fund general governmental services such as public safety, emergency response, youth programs, addressing homelessness and maintaining public spaces.
“Should retail cannabis arrive in Visalia, we want to ensure we can appropriately tax the industry to deliver services that are critical to our community,” said Mayor Brian Poochigian. “Providing community services and safety is a top priority, the cannabis tax will help us continue to maintain our rapid emergency response rates, youth programs, safety and much more.”
“Although currently retail cannabis sales are illegal in Visalia’s city boundaries, this measure would provide the City Council with more flexibility to address State mandates or policy direction change in the future,” said City Manager Leslie Caviglia.