Montville — The Town Council was presented with options Monday on how to handle the cannabis industry.

Town Planner Liz Burdick addressed the implications of Public Act 21-1, "An Act Concerning Responsible and Equitable Regulation of Adult-Use Cannabis," signed by Gov. Ned Lamont on June 22, 2021. Under the law, towns that allow retail cannabis establishments will receive 3% of retailers' gross receipts. Based on population, Montville is allowed one retailer, and already has one medical cannabis establishment in town.

Burdick said that if Montville took no action, cannabis businesses could operate in manufacturing zones.

Councilor Tim May said he is “in favor of it for the economic impact,” as it would bring additional revenue to the town. Counciler Robert Yuchniuk said that, as a former police officer, he “opposes the legalization of recreational marijuana,” but supports allowing the current medical cannabis establishment to become a hybrid for the taxes it would bring in.

Also at Monday's meeting, Mayor Ron McDaniel presented his proposed budget for the 2022-23 fiscal year.

McDaniel began by talking about how the current economic situation has produced “an austere fiscal picture,” before giving a brief overview of his budget. His total budget comes in at $65,615,784, an increase of $939,618 or 1.45% over the town's current budget of $64,676,166.

He recommended no significant staffing changes, though he did say he recommends expanding a part-time administrative assistant position at the Youth Service Bureau to a full-time position to meet increased need. The town will hold public hearings on the budget April 27-28, with both sessions in the high school auditorium. A copy of the proposed budget was not available to the public at the meeting.

The council also approved changes to the firefighters' relief fund program, begun in 2006, that will now allow volunteer to choose between a property tax credit or a direct payment. The measure passed 6-0, with Chairman Tom McNally, a volunteer lieutenant with the Oakdale Fire Company, abstaining due to a conflict of interest.

Councilor Lenny Bunnell Sr. explained the changes will be implemented immediately, saying, “If you're going to claim the property taxes, it's going to be effective July 1.” He added, “this is a token of our appreciation.”

“It's not a gift; it's well earned," McDaniel said.