Serving Whitman County since 1877
Serving Whitman County since 1877
Whitman County commissioners voted Monday to extend the marijuana moratorium another six months while the planning commission finishes its work on a proposed ordinance.
The extension is the second for the moratorium – which commissioners put in place last March to ban any new marijuana growing, processing or retail operations in the county. Commissioners subsequently assigned the planning commission to study the matter and draft an ordinance.
On Monday, three members of the public spoke in favor of extending the ban with no one speaking against.
One speaker suggested that county commissioners attend the planning commission meetings, to which Commissioner Art Swannack responded it may not be legally permitted, depending on the circumstance.
Public Works Director Mark Storey – whose department oversees the planning commission – spoke, too.
“We’re recommending from the staff to extend the moratorium so we can finish our work,” he said, in summation.
The moratorium extension will be in effect until Sept. 4, though the planning commission’s possible ordinance is expected to go before commissioners in late April or early May.
Swannack thanked the public for their input and made a final comment.
“I think it’s only fair that we give them more time to finish up,” he said.
Garth Meyer is a former Whitman County Gazette reporter.
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