At the June 13 meeting of the county board, County Attorney Brett Corson noted the county’s ordinance requires a license to sell cannabinoid/THC products in the county effective July 1, 2023.
The ordinance regulating the sale of hemp derived cannabinoid products was approved at the board’s May 23 meeting. “No person, bar, restaurant, business, or other entity shall sell, offer to sell, or possess with intent to sell any hemp derived cannabinoid product within Fillmore County without first having obtained a license to do so from Fillmore County.”
Corson explained the state legalized low potency hemp in July 2022. “We worked to get ahead of this.”
Commissioner Duane Bakke said we hadn’t anticipated liquor stores being eligible to be licensed two to three weeks ago. Corson said we will have to take it on a case-by-case basis. If a business wants to sell hemp derived products, they need to come in to get an application to see if they are eligible to sell. The county board will need to approve licenses. Those selling these products will have to adhere to code and the county’s ordinance. Corson added that gummies should be behind the counter, not on display.
Commissioner Mitch Lentz said businesses currently selling hemp products today will not be allowed to sell them as of July 1 without a license.
Corson maintained they have to realize they need a license to sell; if they don’t come in to apply for a license, we will have to go into enforcement mode.
County Administrator Bobbie Hillery said they have forms for on and off sale. Corson emphasized, “You can’t sell, period, unless you are licensed.” Hillery added that their goal is to work with people; we want them to come in and fill out a form.
Other business in brief
• Approval was granted to advertise for an additional Community Corrections agent. Tom Jensen, director of Community Corrections, said the new position of a pretrial probation officer will be budget neutral. Fillmore County will receive additional grant funding from the state, effective August 1.
Supervision of pretrial offenders has been identified as a top priority. The agent in this position will be responsible for supervision of pretrial offenders along with completing pre-sentence investigations for the court working closely with local law enforcement. The desired outcome is to reduce violations along with ensuring public safety.
• Approval was granted to approve signatures for each of the commissioners for the (CMS) Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services revalidation form.
• Approval was granted to terminate the WIC Peer Breastfeeding Support Program. Jessica Erickson, director of nursing, has determined that the dollars are not being utilized effectively. The service will still be available from people on her team that can provide that service.
• Hillery reported to the board that the city of Preston has granted a 19.5-foot variance to the road right of way setback requirement for a proposed addition to the south of the existing county jail building for a training and communication room.
• Corson agreed to use MCAPS services through Minnesota Counties Computer Cooperative (MCCC) with a software upgrade of its computer software programs. He said it will be a move toward paperless. Hillery added some work is already being done for the upgrade.
• The county board meets next on June 27.