Cannabis tax could boost cities’ economies if passed

Voters from Calexico and the city of Imperial can bring more money into their communities if two cannabis tax measures pass this November.

Measures I and K will use property and sales taxes from a cannabis facility and dispensary to put them into general funds.

City of Imperial’s Public Information Officer, Alexis Chalupnik, said, “We estimate it to generate about $40,000 to $60,000 a year.”

The cannabis tax will also be used to improve roads and fund law enforcement. “It’s important that we fund our public safety as well as our infrastructure and recreation improvements,” said Chalupnik.

Having a money-making resource was essential when the city of Calexico approved a cannabis manufacturing facility.

Housing and Economic Development Director, Miguel Figueroa, said, “One of the things that prompted the council to look into this industry, in a conservative matter if I may say, was the fact that there was a revenue-generating component to it.”

If the measure passes, the city hopes to gather funds as soon as the facility is up and running. “So as soon as activities start for the company that’s licensed, the city can begin to collect money,” said Figueroa.