LONDONDERRY — The Selectboard has set a Special Town Meeting for Friday, Sept. 17 for voters to decide whether to permit cannabis sales in the community and whether to establish a 1-percent local-option sales tax.
Voting will take place by Australian ballot at the Town Office at 100 Old School St., with polls open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
An informational hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 8, at 6 p.m., at the Town Hall, 139 Middletown Rd.
To provide information and varying viewpoints on the cannabis authorization votes, Town Administrator Shane O'Keefe said in a news release that hearing invitees include representatives of the Vermont League of Cities and Towns, the Vermont Cannabis Control Board, The Collaborative (a local substance-abuse-prevention organization), and a drug-policy-reform advocate.
Regarding the local-option sales tax, O'Keefe estimates that it would raise approximately $112,000 with existing brick- and-mortar retail sales, if approved, and considerably more in online sales.
Should cannabis sales also be authorized by the voters, revenues would increase accordingly as soon as 2023, provided a retail establishment begins operations, he said.
The Town Meeting warning also includes an article authorizing the Selectboard to appoint the town constable, currently an elected position. A vote by Australian ballot is required to allow for board appointment.
According to Town Clerk Kelly Pajala, voters may vote early or absentee by making a ballot request in advance with the Town Clerk or on the day of the election at the polling place.
To register to vote or request an absentee ballot, visit mvp.vermont.gov or go to the Town Clerk's office in person during open hours (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.).