Staff photo / Chris McBride Warren Mayor Doug Franklin discusses the issue of the marijuana revenue loss, calling the measure “disenfranchisement of voters” during the Wednesday city council meeting. At left is Council President John Brown.

WARREN — City Council passed a resolution Wednesday in opposition to proposed state legislation that would dramatically reduce, and eventually eliminate, local tax revenue from recreational marijuana sales, with city leaders calling the move a direct betrayal of voters who legalized cannabis last year.

Councilman Michael O’Brien, D-at Large, detailed how Ohio House Bill 160 would gut municipal finances by first cutting Warren’s share of marijuana excise taxes from 36% to 20%, then completely phasing out the revenue stream after just five years. The city receives about $500,000 annually from its two dispensaries, money that O’Brien said goes directly toward critical services.

“This isn’t just about dollars — it’s about democracy,” O’Brien said to fellow council members. “The voters of Warren and across Ohio approved Issue 2 with the clear understanding that host communities would maintain this revenue permanently. Now Columbus wants to rewrite the rules after the fact.”

O’Brien, who previously advocated for municipalities in Columbus as a state representative, warned the bill sets a dangerous precedent of state government overriding local control. He noted that similar attempts to reduce municipal shares had been defeated in Senate Bill 56 earlier this year, only to resurface in HB 160.

“The state keeps coming back like a bad penny,” O’Brien said. “First they took our local government funds, now they want to claw back marijuana revenue. How many times must we defend our community’s right to fund basic services?”

The emergency resolution passed unanimously, with council members agreeing the cuts would force difficult budget choices. Warren Mayor Doug Franklin asked that his letter in opposition be attached to the unanimously agreed on resolution. He framed the issue as voter disenfranchisement, suggesting HB 160 would nullify the will of local voters.

His comments suggested this was part of a pattern of state actions hurting municipalities.

SHAFFER OFFERS EXPLANATION

During the caucus meeting before the regular meeting, Councilman James Shaffer. D-4th Ward, briefly addressed a swear word he used during a discussion regarding public comments.

Shaffer attributed the incident to recent health struggles, which he said affected his cognitive abilities during previous meetings. Detailing his condition, Shaffer urged colleagues to be more observant of each other’s wellbeing.

“Instead of judging people, we start taking care of each other,” Shaffer said to colleagues, asking for mutual support.

Councilwoman Helen Rucker, D-at Large, acknowledged his health ordeal, but reiterated that his conduct had appeared to breach council rules.

“What you described was devastating… but we have to hold ourselves to stricter standards,” she said, stating she initially wanted to suggest a fine, but opted against it after hearing Shaffer’s explanation.

OTHER BUSINESS

In other business, Brothers of the Hammer and the Trumbull County Panthers announced details for the second annual Trumbull County Youth Easter Egg Hunt scheduled 2 to 4 p.m. April 13 at Perkins Park.

The event will include free haircuts provided by students from Youngstown Barber College, fire department demonstrations, bike raffles after giving away more than 30 bicycles last year, along with face painting and free meals for children.

Council also heard updates from the Youngstown-based Minority Business Assistance Center, which reported two Warren clients recently secured significant funding — one business received $99,500 and another received $52,500 in development grants. The center announced an upcoming contractors workshop April 16 to help more local businesses compete for city contracts.

Franklin acknowledged council’s support for the business assistance program, noting its importance to local economic development.