County approves cannabis retailers occupation tax

The Union County Board of Commissioners has approved an ordinance which establishes a county cannabis retailers occupation tax.

The ordinance was approved at last week’s regular meeting of the county board. 

The meeting was Friday morning, Sept. 27, at the Union County Courthouse in Jonesboro.

Passage of the ordinance came as county officials anticipate the sale of recreational cannabis in the City of Anna.

The commissioners approved a 3 percent tax. Levying of the tax would coincide with the sales of recreational marijuana which are set to begin on Jan. 1, 2020, in the State of Illinois. 

In other business at Friday’s meeting:

Union County Sheriff Scott Harvel reported that a community clean-up effort continues in Wolf Lake. The sheriff said that three citations have been issued and a vehicle has been towed. Community members have been spearheading the effort.

Union County Highway Department engineer Kevin Grammer reported that two bridge projects had been completed. The bridges are located on Bauer Road and Nash Road.

Grammer also noted that oil and chipping work, as well as mowing, were continuing in the county.

The commissioners approved a $350 tourism grant to the Union County Historical and Genealogy Society. The funds will help to promote December’s Christmas in the Village celebration.