As of date, the committee doesn’t have an ordinance on recreational or medical sales of marijuana
By KRYSTAL NURSE
The Sun
At the March 18 committee meeting, Deputy Mayor Robert Zimmerman informed the committee the state is inching closer to legalization of marijuana and it could happen soon.
According to multiple news reports, a vote was anticipated to occur on March 25 and could advance to Gov. Murphy’s desk shortly thereafter. Currently, Mantua Township does not have an ordinance in place opting in or out of the sale of recreational marijuana products.
“We only have 180 days from the time when the law is passed, to introduce and pass our own ordinance,” said Zimmerman. “If we don’t, I think we’re stuck with it for a minimum of five years.”
Zimmerman said he personally doesn’t stand for the sale of it, citing his background as a police chief, but it ultimately comes down to a decision of the entire committee.
Neighboring Harrison Township has opted out of recreational sales and set up zoning for a medicinal facility, if a business approaches them for it.
“We need to be prepared if it gets legalized to act and not wait and be stuck with it,” said Zimmerman.
In other news, the committee passed a resolution to adopt an emergency temporary budget for January, February and March because they haven’t introduced a new budget yet. Township Administrator Jennica Bileci said departments are operating with 26.25 percent of 2018’s budget for the first three months of the year until a new budget is adopted.
“We try to tell everybody to limit their spending unless there’s a necessary need for it,” she said.
Bileci added the township is awaiting the sale of a liquor consumption license to finalize its budget because it could possibly generate more revenue.
For the temporary budget, the tax rate remains the same at $30.02 per $100 of an average assessed home value of $205,313.
Bileci also said Standard and Poor’s contacted the township regarding its bond ratings. She added the township’s “fiscal position is very favorable” and the company seeks to change the rating. A new rating could allow for the township to seek new bonds at a lower rate.
In other news:
● Police Chief Darren White said one DWI was given on St. Patrick’s Day (March 24).
● The VFW’s awards ceremony will be on April 13 starting at 6 p.m.
The next committee meeting is scheduled for April 1, beginning at 6 p.m. at the Municipal Building (401 Main St.).
