'Landslide' Victory For Recreational Marijuana Sales In Batavia

Batavia IL

04 November, 2020

3:12 PM

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BATAVIA, IL — Recreational marijuana dispensaries could be coming to Batavia in the near future, with more than 61 percent of voters supporting a referendum to allow them to open in the city. With all city precincts reporting vote totals, supporters of recreational marijuana sales hold a lead of more than 25 percentage points, according to unofficial election results. Kane County election results show 9,692 people voted in favor of the referendum while 5,711 voted against it. Races Hang In The Balance With 10K Mail-In Votes Out In Kane Co. Batavia Mayor Jeffery Schielke previously indicated he would veto any procedural change to allow dispensaries to open in the city, but in January, he said he'd leave it up to "the will of the people" through a referendum question. Medical marijuana dispensaries have been allowed to open in Batavia under city policy, but none have. Kane County Voters Top 2016 Turnout Prior To Election Day The referendum is not binding, meaning a majority "Yes" vote does not guarantee officials will approve recreational dispensaries' applications to open in Batavia. Mosser Wins Kane County State's Attorney Race Batavia officials are viewing the election results as a "landslide" victory for the referendum, Batavia Administrator Laura Newman told Patch. The City Council has said it would listen to the will of the voters, Newman said, but it could take about three months for the City Council to pass a new ordinance and zoning changes to allow recreational marijuana dispensaries to open in the city. Election Results: Villa Widens Lead Over Ward Newman said the city stands to bring in hundreds of thousands of dollars annually in tax revenue if a dispensary opens within city limits. "That would help tremendously, especially at a time like this," Newman said, noting the coronavirus pandemic has "put a real strain" on other revenue streams for the city. REGIONAL NEWS: 'There Will Be Cuts,' Pritzker Warns After Fair Tax Bid FailsCoronavirus Cases Up 65% In Batavia Schools Over Past WeekElection Results: Durbin Holds Off 4 Challengers To Win 5th Term$3M Bail For Man Accused Of Stabbing, Killing Elgin Man