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City Council Finance Committee <br />Meeting Minutes <br />04/22/19 <br />Page 3 of 8 <br />Finance Committee Member Lipton asked Director Watson if the interest income <br />from investments is forecasted. Director Watson confirmed that the long-term <br />financial plan is updated quarterly based on the data received from Chandler. <br />The reports and corresponding narrative can be located in the packet of the April <br />22, 2019 Finance Committee Meeting. <br />EXCISE TAX FOR MARIJUANA CULTIVATION <br />City Attorney Kathleen Kelly presented ballot language options drafted for <br />proposed marijuana excise taxes to the Finance Committee. Ms. Kelly stated that <br />the drafts contain different revenue spending options and both long form and short <br />form de-Brucing language. Ms. Kelly also stated that the question of whether or <br />not marijuana cultivation should be allowed, can be referred to voters or City <br />Council could decide. Mayor Muckle stated he would want the matter referred to <br />voters. Attorney Kelly stated that she would draft an ordinance referring the matter <br />to voters. <br />City Manager Balser stated that she looked back over the excise tax ballot <br />questions, and that she likes Breckenridge's question. Ms. Balser stated that it <br />offers a tax rate range between 5-10%, and that the use of funds is broad. <br />Manager Balser stated she is hesitant about starting or having to fund new <br />programs. <br />Finance Committee Chairperson Maloney asked Attorney Kelly about the <br />difference between the long form and short form de-Brucing language. Ms. Kelly <br />stated that legally, they are the same, but strategies could be employed as to the <br />length of the ballot questions. <br />Chairperson Maloney stated that he was not in favor of language that would create <br />new programs. Finance Director Kevin Watson stated he would prefer no voter <br />restrictions, but rather for City Council allocate funds annually by Resolution. <br />Director Watson provided an example of Highway User revenue which is restricted <br />but still placed in the General Fund. Finance Committee Members and staff <br />determined the issue of whether or not to create a separate fund can be <br />determined later, noting there would be challenges in the allocation of expenses. <br />Finance Committee Chairperson Maloney stated that he liked draft question #2, <br />which includes the tax rate range and utilizes the short form de-Brucing language. <br />Mayor Muckle agreed. Finance Committee Members and staff discussed the <br />phrasing for the use of the revenue in Draft #2. City Manager Balser stated her <br />preference of for the language to read for "enforcement, administration and <br />regulation". Finance Committee Member Lipton stated he does not like the use of <br />"and other general purposes of the City", stating there needs to be better <br />transparency. Member Lipton stated that he would like there to be a separate fund, <br />4 <br />