The primary topic of interest centered on the proposed cannabis ordinances, which sparked debate among board members. The discussion outlined the structure of cannabis business licensing, penalties for violations, and the enforcement of local regulations. A point of contention was the potential for individual towns within Grant County to adopt their own cannabis ordinances, leading to a situation where numerous cannabis businesses could operate independently. The board deliberated on whether background checks should be mandated for all cannabis business applicants, with some members emphasizing the need for clarity regarding state requirements versus county-specific criteria.

The licensing process itself was scrutinized, with comparisons drawn to alcohol and tobacco licensing. The board considered whether background checks should be required annually or at longer intervals, akin to other types of business licenses. There was also an exploration of the potential impact of setting limits on the number of cannabis retail businesses within the county, with some members suggesting a lottery system to ensure fairness in the selection process.

Another focal point was the enforcement of compliance with state fire and building codes for both mobile and fixed-location cannabis businesses. The board expressed concerns about the potential for mobile businesses to circumvent local regulations. The enforcement responsibilities were debated, with the potential involvement of third-party certification agencies discussed as a solution to the county’s lack of a designated building inspector.

In parallel, the board addressed the pressing matter of rising property valuations, which have been projected to increase by up to 38% in certain areas. This sparked discussions about the methodology used for property assessments and the implications for property owners. Concerns were raised about the fairness of applying valuation increases based on lower-end sales while high-end properties remained stable. The board stressed the importance of aligning property values with market realities without disproportionately affecting specific sectors of property owners.

The meeting also covered the county’s emergency preparedness efforts, with an update on the Hazard Mitigation Plan developed in collaboration with FEMA. The plan has reached its final adoption phase. However, it was noted that two towns within the county failed to submit the necessary paperwork, potentially impacting their ability to secure FEMA funding for projects like storm shelters.

Additionally, the board reviewed contracts related to environmental services and waste management, with approvals granted for agreements with haulers processing various forms of waste. There was a brief examination of law enforcement contracts, particularly one with the city of Herman, which required formalization through board signatures.

The ongoing management of the county’s vehicle fleet was another item on the agenda, with discussions about the acquisition of a new pickup truck and the rotation of squad cars for the Sheriff’s Office. The board considered the trade-in values and budgetary implications of purchasing new vehicles while addressing potential delays due to fluctuating prices and availability.