INSIDE Mustangs are on the run at Waterfront. A3
INSIDE Introducing our Critters Corner: Becks is calling your name. A21
OPINION Saving lives through Kitsap Relay For Life. A6
INDEPENDENT PORT ORCHARD
FRIDAY, JULY 24, 2015 ✮ VOL. 124, NO. 26 ✮ WWW.PORTORCHARDINDEPENDENT.COM ✮ 50¢
State to share pot tax haul with city Kitsap County also to get tax revenue slice from Liquor Control Board; just how many dollars remains to be seen By BOB SMITH
rsmith@portorchardindependent.com
State revenues from marijuana sales within this area will now be shared with Kitsap County and the City of Port Orchard. The State Legislature passed House Bill 2136, which calls for the state to share the revenue it gained from the sale of recreational marijuana with government entities where the product was sold. Gov. Jay Inslee signed the bill June 30 and on July 1, it became effective. The new state law increases taxes on the retail price of pot to 37 percent, which is collected by the state. That’s an increase from an excise tax of 25 percent at three different phases — production, processing and retail — prior to the new law’s implementation. Starting this month, 30 percent of the new tax amount will be distributed to counties, towns and cities where the licensed marijuana retailers operate. The amount Port Orchard will receive as a result of the new state law will change between 2016-18, says city treasurer Allan Martin. “Under Initiative Measure 502, cities received no distribution of the state-dedicated marijuana fund,” Martin said. “During the state fiscal years 2016 and 2017, the state will distribute $6 million to cities and counties that have licensed marijuana stores in their jurisdiction.” Martin said the more relevant revenue portion of
the legislation happens in 2018. He said that’s when the tax distribution is based on excise tax collected from the three retail stores within Port Orchard limits. “The amount distributed to Port Orchard will depend upon the volume of sales from retailers within the city,” he said. That volume of sales — and tax revenues back to Port Orchard and Kitsap County — remains to be seen. Whatever the amount, Port Orchard Mayor Tim Matthes feels it doesn’t send a positive message to young people. “It a principled thing for me,” Matthes said. “I was originally was very encouraged when we had a moratorium in place prior to the City Council voting to allow marijuana sales within city limits,” he said. “I don’t think it sends a good message to young people — or to anyone else, for that matter. The best message would’ve been not to have legalized it in Port Orchard.” HB 2136 also revises guidelines that cities and counties can use in regulating where retail businesses can locate. The previously established minimum distance between a retailer and school, park, childcare facility or transportation center was 1,000 feet. Cities and counties now can reduce the minimum distance allowed to as few as 100 feet. Nick Bond, Port Orchard Development director, said he doesn’t believe the city has plans to revise its current
Primary race looms for West Sound candidates Voters will go to the polls Aug. 4 to halve the list of four candidates seeking a commissioner’s seat on the West Sound Utility District No. 1 board. The top two vote-getters will advance to the general election Tuesday, Nov. 3. Susan Way, commission vice-chairwoman, is running for re-election for the Commissioner Position 3 seat. She is serving alongside chairman Jerry Lundberg and secretary James J. Hart. She is SEE PRIMARY, A22
‘Spirit’ hydro set to sprint this weekend By BOB SMITH
rsmith@portorchardindependent.com
Bob Smith / Independent
The City of Port Orchard will be getting a piece of the state tax haul from recreational marijuana sales after passage of House Bill 2136 during the last session of the state legislature. Delynn Ecklund, owner of the pot retail store 420 Spot Shop in Port Orchard, said she’s happy that at least a portion of the taxes she collects will go to the city. regulations. “No changes are imminent, although the (city) attorney is reviewing our regulations to determine if any changes are required.” Matthes also said he hasn’t heard of any movement to make changes to the city law.
In April 2014 Port Orchard’s City Council voted 6-1 to pass an ordinance amending the city development regulations concerning recreational marijuana use. State voters approved a measure in November 2012 to
allow and regulate recreational marijuana by licensing and taxing producers, processors and retailers of cannabis. Ten retail outlets sell marijuana products in Kitsap SEE MARIJUANA, A22
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PORT ORCHARD — The “Spirit of Port Orchard” Grand Prix hydroplane boat will race this weekend, July 25-26, at the Tri-Cities 2015 Gold Cup and, the two weeks later, at the Seafair race Aug. 1-2 on Lake Washington. But to ensure bills are paid and momentum continues toward establishing a Grand Prix hydro race on Sinclair Inlet next summer, about $10,000 will need to be raised, according to Leslie ReynoldsTaylor, co-chair of the Port Orchard Regatta. The fundraising is off to a promising start, she said. SEE HYDRO, A5