Fredonia’s trustees look inclined to allow cannabis dispensaries in the village, judging by their statements at Monday’s workshop.

A proposal to “opt out” of the state-run marijuana sales points came up for discussion at the workshop. Three of Fredonia’s four trustees made it clear that they are wary of opting out. Municipalities in the state have until Dec. 31 to declare whether are not they are opting out of the state’s plans for placing dispensaries, as well as smoking lounges where consumption will be allowed on-site.

“I think that we should probably consider just letting this go so we can allow the dispensaries to come,” said Trustee James Lynden. “Even if we allow it, we could still address the needs of our community, according to our local alcohol and tobacco laws, if we wish to do that. All we are doing is deciding whether they can operate dispensaries in the village.

“I hate to see us lose any funding that may come along. We could use it to help our police department in many ways to combat other issues with the illegal drugs. Also, we could use it for education of people having issues with marijuana and other types of things, just like they do with cigarette smoking,” he added.

“I actually agree with Trustee Lynden on this,” Trustee Scott Johnston said. “Opting out feels, to me, anti-business and a little short-sighted.” He said that village residents would simply go to the town of Pomfret and city of Dunkirk to buy pot, and Fredonia would lose out on revenue. Pomfret and Dunkirk have made no moves to opt out, with most of its officials apparently against it.

Trustee EvaDawn Bashaw asked village attorney Charles Roberts if the village could create home rule ordinances to govern cannabis issues before it made its decision on opting out. Roberts said he would look into it.

“I’m not opposed to this (legalization) law,” she said. “But I do think that we have to be very careful about the location of the dispensaries, the number of dispensaries, the hours of operation, what’s allowed to be sold or consumed… there are a lot of factions that need to be addressed here. I’m not sure we will have the ability to do that between now and Dec. 31… I’m hoping the state gives us more time.”

Trustee Roger Britz said he had no comment on the matter.

Mayor Douglas Essek, a marijuana legalization skeptic, added another note of caution. “I just want the board to get all the information to make an informed, educated decision. Trustee Johnston, you’re talking about revenues. Are we aware of what revenues we would get if we had dispensaries?”

“Whatever the amount is, it’s going to be more than zero,” Johnston replied.

“But, are there costs involved that we would incur?” Essek responded. “I don’t know these things. Do we have increased issues that we would have to fund? I don’t know. There’s revenues, but are there costs and what would those costs be?”

“If they can go up onto Route 20 or 60 and buy it in the town, or go down Central (Avenue) and get it, less than a five-minute drive, I don’t understand why we wouldn’t do it,” said Johnston. “The other thing, too, is, I’ve heard from far more people who want this than who are against it. That’s one of the things that makes a difference to me, too.”

Essek concluded the discussion by noting that opting out is the Board of Trustees’ decision. “It’s totally up to you,” he said.

However, he suggested that the board hold a public hearing on the matter. No trustees responded to that, ending the discussion.