This week, Snowmass Village town council unanimously approved a sale tax question for November’s ballot.
In a 5-0 vote, council approved of asking voters for a 5 percent sales tax on retail marijuana.
This would be in addition to the 15 percent excise tax and 10 percent sales tax the state already levies.
The town’s Financial Advisory Board recommended that Snowmass voters approve the 5 percent sales tax, which is projected to generate between $190,000 to almost $600,000 annually. Councilman Bill Madsen said this tax can provide consistent income in the face of a less reliable recreation industry.
"So we're just trying to put the town in the best position possible, in the event that something does change in the outdoor industry," said Madsen.
Snowmass instituted a moratorium on marijuana sales in 2013 that expires on Oct. 31.
The exact ballot language for the tax has yet to be finalized, and where the funds would go has not been decided. Mayor Markey Butler suggested using the income to fund a creative district, while councilmember Bob Sirkus proposed saving it in a rainy day fund. It could also be used to bring down the town’s 10.4 percent sales tax, which is the second highest in the state.
For now, it is up to voters to decide if the tax passes.
