Public hearing imminent as city’s decision-makers mull change in cannabis ordinance
An inquiry into bringing a cannabis dispensary to Tracy sparked a discussion Monday whether or not to change the City’s cannabis ordinance.
The City of Tracy had previously voted to go along with the ordinance set by the County, which after a public hearing on the proposed cannabis ordinance restricting the use of cannabis in public places on Sept. 5, 2023, adopted the current law.
The ordinance states, in part, that “no person shall use cannabis flower, cannabis products, lowerpotency hemp edibles, or hempderived consumer products in a public place or a place of public accommodation unless the premises is an establishment or event licensed to permit on-site consumption of adult-use cannabis flower and adult use cannabis products.”
Councilmember George Landuyt asked if there would be any financial gain for Tracy if a business were to move into town.
“I would say they would put a lot of money into a building,” Tracy City Administrator Jeff Carpenter said. “Depending on what any particular building has right now, if it doubles, yes, there’s going to be more City taxes.”
After a motion was made by city councilmember Dave Tiegs and seconded by councilmember Brian Hinrichs, the council voted 5-2 in favor of considering changing the City’s ordinance, with councilmembers Jeri Schons and Seth Schmidt voting against. A public hearing will be called for in two weeks and it will likely take place on Feb. 9.
The County ordinance limits the number of cannabis sites in the county to just two, but if Tracy goes out in its own, a cannabis establishment would be allowed in town.
When asked, Carpenter said the company that is interested in Tracy also has locations in California and New York.
“They’re looking for a building; there’s only a certain amount of states that (cannabis) is allowed,” Carpenter said. “I told them that I wasn’t going to do any pre-work; I wasn’t going to see what is their ability to have a business that’s going to succeed. That’s going to be up to them.”
Councilmember Jeri Schons, who isn’t against the legalization of marijuana, said the council went with the county so the City wouldn’t have to deal with all the rules and regulations — which, she said, are still not crystal clear — set forth by the State.
“I personally do not feel we have the resources and knowledge to say we’re going to manage this ourselves and go away from the County,” Schons said. “I don’t feel that’s changed. I don’t know if I want to even open the can of worms if we don’t have the knowledge to do this.”
Councilmember Jan Arvizu said she doesn’t have an issue with the city being home to a dispensary, per se, because she does appreciate marijuana’s potential medical benefits. However, she did share her concern about security if a business did take root in town.
Tiegs said he’s had people from both sides of the issue contact him. He is of the belief that the council should not make the decision for the entire city, even though the buck will ultimately stop at City Hall.
“It’s already in (Marshall); we’re not going to get away from cannabis,” Tiegs said. “Why would we not have a
‘
business in town to sell it? We would get another building on the tax rolls, we’d have sales tax money coming in, we’d have people coming to town. It’s a business; it’s no different than a liquor store.”
Councilmember Seth Schmidt shared his concerns about having a dispensary in town, citing the difficulty law enforcement has in testing motorists who may be impaired.
“I personally am comfortable leaving us under the umbrella of the County,” he said. “I do appreciate we can have a civil conversation about something that is somewhat controversial.”
In other business …
• The council set the following appointments for 2026: Deputy Administrator, Shane Daniels; Deputy Clerk, Diane Campbell; City Administrator Jeff Carpenter; City Attorney, Matthew Gross; Mayor Pro-Tem, Seth Schmidt; Community Ed. Financial Advisory Board, Landuyt; Planning Commission member Arvizu; EDA members, Tiegs and Hinrichs; Hospital Advisory Board, Schons; Wheels Across the Prairie Heritage Center, Schmidt; Park Board, Schmidt. The council also adopted Robert’s Rules of Order for the 2026 order of business at council meetings.
• The Tracy Fire Department responded to nine structure fires and four vehicle fires in 2025, as well as six Hazmat calls, 15 vegetation fires, 11 rescue calls and 18 services calls. Last year was considered an aboveaverage year for fire calls.
• The council designated the Tracy Area Headlight Herald (Above The Fold Publishing) as the City’s official newspaper. It is also the official paper of Lyon County.
• The council passed a resolution to contract with a City official, as it pertains to the municipal liquor store and its dealings with Break Thru Beverage, and any future contract with Cooreman Contracting, Inc.
‘
It’s already in (Marshall); we’re not going to get away from cannabis.
Why would we not have a business in town to sell it? We would get another building on the tax rolls, we’d have sales tax money coming in, we’d have people coming to town.
— TRACY COUNCIL MEMBER DAVE TIEGS
I personally do not feel we have the resources and knowledge to say we’re going to manage this ourselves and go away from the County. I don’t feel that’s changed. I don’t know if I want to even open the can of worms if we don’t have the knowledge to do this.
— TRACY COUNCIL MEMBER JERI SCHONS
