Roxbury Residents Strongly Oppose Cannabis Dispensaries - Town 42 Million Budget Exceeds Tax Cap

ROXBURY - Several residents attended the Nov. 6th Roxbury Town Board meeting to oppose cannabis dispensaries. Residents were sparked to speak after the board received a request in May to review the decision to prohibit cannabis retail.

The proposal originated from the owners of Catskill Mountain Cannabis, an indoor cultivation facility located on the outskirts of town. With a Micro License in hand, owners would like to expand to retail. If the business were to sell under its current license, the dispensary must be within 25 miles of the cultivation site. They would like the shop, pre-named Smoke Panda, to be located on the same property as the farm. However, Roxbury opted out of permitting any dispensaries. The owners are requesting that the board consider adjusting legislation regarding dispensaries.

The board has requested that the owners submit information regarding their cultivation facility, including water usage, before making any determination on dispensaries. According to Supervisor Allen Hinkley, the request has not yet been fulfilled.

If the council were to propose permitting dispensaries, they would be required to hold a public hearing first. One potential benefit to the town would be sales tax revenue, said Hinkley, although it is unclear if those funds would come to the town or the county.

Town Attorney Kristin Pratt was asked to research if the issue could be put to a public vote rather than decided by the board alone. However, Pratt noted that there are only two situations where this is possible—a mandatory referendum or a permissive referendum—which she does not believe is the case with dispensaries. She made it clear that the public would have another opportunity to voice their opinions during a public hearing if the board were to move forward with any legislation.

"I believe the people of Roxbury should have a say in such a matter," said Councilmember Kenneth Davie.

Public concern focused on the family-friendly and inviting atmosphere of the town being diminished by the sale of such items. Many individuals have noted the Roxbury Central School District and its importance to the community, recognizing the value of its students as an asset.

"In closing, let's keep the character of our town about the people and, in particular, the children. not everything is about money," said Larry Borst.

"Is this what we want to be known for," said Terry Borst, adding that the comprehensive plan outlines a desire to promote sustainable growth that preserves community character. She further noted that Margaretville, which has a dispensary, remains uncertain whether it will receive sales tax revenues.

Several other individuals echoed concerns, with one individual noting that the board did not have the eternal right to make a decision like this, and it should, if possible, be put to a vote. Another resident noted that the children of Roxbury are worth more than any sales revenue.

2026 Budget

Following a public hearing, the Council adopted a budget of $4,274,977, with nearly $3 million to be raised through taxes. The budget represents a total tax increase of 6.12%, equivalent to approximately $93,992, exceeding the allowable tax cap. The total tax levy is $2,745,202.

The budget includes the following annual salaries for elected officials: council members, $6,427.25 each; both Justices, $11,138.50 each; supervisor, $18,631.00; tax Collector, $12,429.00; town clerk, $51,450.00; highway superintendent $77,388.00.

The 2025 budget remained under the 2% state-mandated tax cap, which was achieved, said Bookkeeper Beth Bush, by utilizing unallocated funds to balance budget needs. This year, the unallocated budget line was exhausted. Despite this, Bush reported cutting roughly $100,000 to help lower tax levy increases. The highway building bond was paid off, which helped; otherwise, Bush said, "We would be worse off."

During the public comment period, one individual suggested reviewing salary increases individually rather than implementing a 5% across-the-board increase. Hinkley explained that 70% of employees are under contract, which was negotiated last year for a five-year term with a 5% annual increase. The council agreed to include the remaining four or five employees in that annual raise. Bush noted a change would be minimal.

Major increases were seen in general insurance, which rose by nearly 13%. Last year, the line item was over budget, coming in at $109,000, which was $14,000 over. To avoid shortfalls, Bush said the line was adjusted to $110,000 for 2026.

The council approved a tax exemption for volunteer firefighters who serve neighboring districts.

Other Business

MARK Project Director Peg Elsworth is exploring a funding opportunity for up to $1 million to update the senior meals site at the Grand Gorge Civic Center. If the grant were awarded, she noted that it would relieve some of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) funds for updating other assets of the Civic Center, including the playground and outdoor recreation areas.

The DRI website is now available on the town's website, roxburyny.com, under "Resident Information."

Assessor Clerk Stephanie Seminara is concerned about the lack of information storage for real property tax records with the new State program. She said they only save information for the past six years, which is unacceptable. She is working with neighboring assessors on solutions.

The board is reviewing written comments regarding the proposed updates to the comprehensive plan. They are expected to adopt the plan at the December board meeting.

The council entered an executive session to discuss personnel and contractual matters. No decisions were made.

The transfer station's Friday hours will be changed to 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., effective Dec. 1st.

The town entered into a 15-year contract for the county to place its weather stations on the town hall and Civic Center.

The next regularly scheduled council meeting is Monday, Dec. 8, at 6 p.m.