The numbers are in for fiscal year 2024 and Mecosta County is slated to receive $698,743.92 in Michigan marijuana distributions.

This is an approximately 21 percent decrease from the previous year, where the county received $881,300.57. It will also be the first year of a decrease in distributions since the Spring of 2022, in which Mecosta County increased from $677,412.00 from 2022 to $881,300.57 in 2023.

According to Mecosta County Finance Administrator Mindy Taylor, the County hasn’t decided what projects and organizations will receive part of the distributions.

“The Board has not yet determined the process they will use for this year at this time,” Taylor said. “There have been groups asking already, but no discussion has been had. The (Mecosta County Commissioner’s Board) thought we should know the amount prior to moving forward, as those were only released a week ago."

The County notably gave a large amount of $178,000 to the Mecosta County Road Commission for a full round of brine last spring, which is the salt solution to help with icy roads. Other allocations included $75,000 to the Manna Pantry for a building purchase, another $75,000 to the County Parks Commission for rehabbing the Paris Ponds, and $50,000 to Angels of Action for food for children.

Other notable projects in the past that have used marijuana money include the Dragon Trail system around Hardy Dam, delivery vehicles for Meals on Wheels, and a marine boat for the Sheriff’s Office Patrol. 

The next Mecosta County Board of Commissioner’s meeting is Thursday, Mar. 6, at 9:00 A.M.