The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.



County Board Says "No" To Recreational Marijuana In Hancock County

Joy Sweariaengen, Quill Correspondent

The Hancock County Board voted down a resolution that would allow one dispensary for recreational marijuana in unincorporated areas of the county.

At their meeting Feb. 18, the board was presented two resolutions. One would allow one dispensary for recreational marijuana. The second placed a tax on the sale of marijuana in unincorporated areas, and another tax on sales of marijuana approved by incorporated towns.

The vote on allowing a dispensary failed with five in favor and nine opposed. Because of that, the resolution related to taxing marijuana sales will be revised before coming to a vote.

The county health and miscellaneous committee will now work with state's attorney, Rachel Mast, to draw up resolutions prohibiting the sale of marijuana in all unincorporated areas, and setting a tax rate on marijuana sales approved in municipalities.

So far, Hamilton is the only town in the county that has approved licensing of such sales. Carthage and Nauvoo have voted to prohibit sale of recreational marijuana in their towns.

Kreps was one of the "no" votes on the issue.

"I don't think we need this in Hancock County," Kreps said, after the meeting. "I can't see it helping the county at all financially. People who want it won't pay the higher price and taxes, they will just go down the street and get it on the black market."

According to Kreps, without a resolution regulating dispensaries for recreational marijuana, none can be licensed in the unincorporated parts of the county where the board has jurisdiction.

Belynda Allen, executive director of Hancock County Economic Development, spoke to the board about the importance of everyone participating in the 2020 census. She stressed that there are still many good paying jobs with flexible hours available connected with the census. She can be reached at 217-440-8909.

The board approved a memorandum of understanding between the county and the HCEDC to allow the census committee to be reimbursed up to $21,250 by a state grant for expenses incurred in completing the national census in the county. This would include such things as mailing, educational materials and mileage.

The health and miscellaneous committee reported working with Mast to draw up a nuisance ordinance for the county. Kreps read a letter to the board from Wyatt Green of Burnside, who expressed concern about the condition of houses and properties in Burnside. Mast will check with townships officials to see if this is something they want to do individually.

Kreps reported a request, asking the county to look into an ordinance related to the use of ATVs. This was referred to the highway committee.

In other business, the board: