Typo Error Results in Extended Temporary Prosser Pot Ban

The City Council had planned this week to vote on possibly banning future pot business inside city limits, or changing the city statutes to match updates to state pot codes. But that didn't happen because of a typographical error.

When city councils conduct business that involves public input or has a public hearing, state law requires ample notice be given as to the date, time and location of the hearing.

Prosser officials discovered this week that the notice for the March 7 public hearing didn't include the time and location for that meeting.

Because of that, and the state's Open Meetings Act, this week the council voted unanimously to extend a six month temporary moratorium another four months. Prosser has been considering banning future pot stores and business after learning of other marijuana businesses who want to locate there, according to the Tri-City Herald.

Prosser already has one pot shop, Altitude, and another in an unincorporated area that has a Prosser address. The feeling growing in the small town seems to be 'we're ok with some pot business, but not too much.'

The reason pot business is flocking to Prosser is because of bans in Kennewick, Richland and Pasco.  City officials plan to continue to compile data, information and public input before deciding what to do once the four month extension is up.