Milan officials are facing uncertainty regarding the future of their cannabis tax revenue as Nature’s Treatment Illinois (NTI) considers relocating to Rock Island. Earlier this week, they believed the dispensary would remain in their village, but recent developments have changed that outlook.
In Rock Island, environmental concerns have emerged over a proposed project that includes a cannabis dispensary and a gas station near vital wetlands, home to a bald eagle habitat. Mayor Mike Thoms is responding by forming a task force dedicated to protecting these wetlands. This task force will help create a conservation easement, a legal measure that will prevent any commercial development on Rock Island’s 528 acres of wetland.
During a press conference, city officials and developers discussed the plan, with the first step being the creation of the conservation easement. Mayor Thoms expects the City Council to vote on directing staff to begin work on this easement during their next meeting. He estimates that the easement will take about six months to complete, followed by an additional 12 months for a Wetland Protection Plan.
However, the potential relocation of NTI has created tension in Milan. Village Administrator Steve Seiver had previously assured residents that the company intended to keep both locations. But developer Jeff Hughbanks revealed a different perspective, indicating that while a building will remain in Milan, they lack the license to operate the dispensary there once they move to Rock Island.
Hughbanks expressed optimism about the move, stating, “We’re excited to come to Rock Island, that’s for sure.” In support of this transition, Rock Island is prepared to invest approximately $3 million in utilities and infrastructure, funded through existing tax increment finance resources from Bally’s Casino.
Miles Brainard, the community and economic development director for Rock Island, mentioned that additional incentives would be provided through a business development district. This district, which encompasses both Bally’s and the new dispensary, will implement a 1% sales tax in the area to help reimburse the developer for construction costs.
If NTI fails to secure a second cannabis license, Milan could face a significant financial hit, potentially losing nearly $1 million a year in tax revenue.
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