Seaside residents will vote on a marijuana business tax to help the city

In about three months, Seaside residents will have their say on whether or not the city implements an up to 10 percent sales tax on marijuana businesses.

Thursday night Seaside City Counselors voted unanimously to put a marijuana business tax on the June 6th ballot. In about three months, Seaside residents will vote on the measure.

“I would say yes,” said Michael Wildgoose of Seaside.

The city estimates the tax would generate $300,000 dollars a year. Money that would not only pay for costs associated with new marijuana businesses, but also to help address some of the city’s fiscal challenges.

“We have comparatively low general fund revenues,” said Seaside City Manager Craig Malin . “We are losing two grants, one pays for our firefighters and youth violence prevention program.”

Other financial strains include $194 million needed to repair aging and damaged infrastructure, possibly losing federal funding if Seaside becomes a sanctuary city and money needed to keep chemicals from entering storm drains.

“Making sure that marine life out in the Bay can enjoy their life in the sanctuary is both important and is expensive,” said Malin .

City officials said with low property taxes and amount of commercial businesses, they are not taking in as much revenue as surrounding cities.

“The tax can be used for a full range of city services, police and fire, improving capital projects like streets and parks,” said Malin .

It will also help pay for flood preparedness and anti-gang/drug programs.

“I think that’s a very wise tax,” said David Norman of Seaside.

City officials said more than 70% of residents polled agreed on implementing the tax.