Melrose Council Closes 2024 With Budget, Cannabis Rules, and Vacant Building Law

MELROSE — December 19, 2024 — Melrose City Council adopts $1.53 million tax levy, cannabis rules, and vacant building ordinance to close 2024. The council voted unanimously Thursday to set the 2025 general fund levy at $1,450,000 and the debt levy at $80,000, with Finance Director Jackie reporting a minimal tax rate decrease despite the net $40,000 increase, as net tax capacity is estimated to grow 3 percent to $3,419,591. Two cannabis ordinances — one establishing compliance and registration rules, including a ban on sampling at cannabis events, and one requiring a conditional use permit for any cannabis operation in any zoning district — passed unanimously, as did a vacant building registration ordinance after one council member cited property-rights concerns and the summary passed 4-1. Community Development Director Sheila reported the city has reached nearly $30 million in building permits for 2024, pushing the three-year total to over $75 million, and announced all 73 units at the Wagon Crossings apartment complex are now leasing. The council also extended the memorandum of understanding with Chief Craig Mouse with no end date, citing a continuing police staffing shortage, and approved a labor contract with Law Enforcement Labor Services Local No. 320.