Durango Mayor Dean Brookie says the city needs to look for more creative ways to solve budgetary needs than taxing recreational marijuana.
The Durango Herald reports industry representatives spoke out during a city council meeting where council members were discussing a possible 5 percent tax on marijuana sales.
The tax would have raised about $900,000 annually for improvements to city buildings.
Durango Organics co-owner Jonny Radding said existing fees and taxes have reduced bottom lines to almost nothing. Animas Herbal and Wellness owner John Menzies says in Durango, marijuana purchases already carry a 17.9 percent sales tax and 15 percent excise tax.
Councilors decided not to put the tax to a public vote, where it would probably be approved, saying public infrastructure improvements shouldn't be funded by one industry.
