Dear Editor and Community Partners,
On behalf of the Dallas County Economic Development Group we are writing in support of voting “YES” to a 3 percent sales tax on recreational marijuana purchases in the City of Buffalo and Dallas County at the ballot box on August 8, 2023.
In November 2022, Missouri voters approved a constitutional amendment allowing sales of recreational (adult-use) marijuana at licensed facilities for personal use for those ages 21 and over. As part of this amendment the State will charge a 6 percent tax on legal purchases of recreational marijuana. In addition, cities and counties have the option to charge a sales tax up to 3 percent with voter approval.
The Buffalo City Council voted to put a question regarding the additional 3 percent sales tax on recreational marijuana on the August ballot. The Dallas County Commission voted to put a question regarding the 3 percent on recreational marijuana on the August ballot. Recreational (adult-use) marijuana has only been legal in Missouri for a short time, and it is difficult to accurately estimate how much annual revenue the tax would generate. A city or county with one dispensary could bring in $100,000 to $150,000 a year, according to a sales estimate made by the Missouri Municipal League, a statewide organization of city governments.
The sales tax funds collected would go towards the general revenue funds of the city and/or county. As part of general revenue funds could be used for infrastructure improvements, public safety and emergency services, judicial services, public spaces, parks, or capital improvements.
We hope you will join us in voting “Yes” on August 8, 2023.
Sincerely,
Bill Monday, President
Hollie Elliott, Executive Director
