Saranac Lake Launches Cannabis Grant Program

The village of Saranac Lake is preparing to launch a new tax grant program funded by local cannabis sales, aiming to reinvest revenue into community organizations, events and initiatives. During Monday's meeting, the village board refined the details of a proposed law that would allocate 75% of cannabis tax revenue toward grants, with a maximum award of $5,000. The board is expected to vote on the law on Dec. 8.

Modeled after a similar initiative launched by the town of North Elba in July 2024, the program has been championed by Trustee Kelly Brunette. She first brought the proposal forward at the Nov. 10 meeting, and the full draft law is available online starting on page 45.

Cannabis tax revenue stems from the state's 13% tax on cannabis sales, of which 4% is local. Municipalities where sales occur receive 75% of that local tax, split evenly between the town and village. Village officials estimate around $40,000 in annual revenue. Some trustees suggested requiring a match for requests over $2,500 or having the board only vote on larger requests, though no final decision was made.

A central debate focused on whether cannabis tax dollars should support the general fund or go directly into the tax grant program. Mayor Jimmy Williams suggested the revenue could ease tax burdens by supplementing funding for housing, beautification or new business efforts. Trustee Matt Scollin, however, felt the amount of revenue is too small to significantly impact these large initiatives. Other trustees emphasized that this revenue source is unpredictable and better suited for community groups, noting that cannabis tax dollars can be spent in ways traditional tax funds cannot.

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