Green Charter Township’s marijuana excise tax revenue is at the center of a contentious debate regarding its allocation. A recent letter to the editor by resident Jim Chapman criticizes the township’s leadership for spending taxpayer funds on legal fees related to the Gotion Development Agreement. Chapman points out that the township supervisor has repeatedly stated that Gotion’s project is inevitable, yet there is a lack of transparency regarding what changes the township is seeking in negotiations.
During a deposition, Chapman noted that the township employed four attorneys and a paralegal, costing taxpayers between $20,000 and $25,000 for just his deposition day. In contrast, the multinational company Gotion only brought two attorneys.
Currently, the township is requesting $200,000 from county funding to cover escalating legal expenses, alongside a request for an additional $250,000 from state legislators. Chapman argues that these funds should instead support local charities, which serve a critical role in a community facing high poverty rates, second only to Detroit and Wayne County.
Chapman’s letter highlights the urgent need for the township to prioritize community welfare over legal expenditures. He emphasizes that the excise tax revenue generated from cannabis sales could significantly benefit local charities, which provide essential services to residents in need. With the township’s poverty rate being alarmingly high, the community’s charities require financial support to continue their vital work.
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