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BELDING COUNCIL PASSES ORDINANCE BANNING DRUG PARAPHERNALIA SALES

BELDING, Mich.  - The Belding City Council held two back-to-back special meetings Tuesday to discuss and pass an ordinance amendment to regulate the possession and sale of drug paraphernalia. 

The two meetings were held the same night because the ordinance was labeled as an "emergency ordinance," which creates the outcome of the council's decision to be effective immediately. 

City Manager Randall DeBruine said the ordinance was to "protect the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of the City of Belding."

The ordinance also prohibits a store dealing with such activities and does not exclude authorized people. 

Public commentator, Dave Overhaul of Montcalm County, said he was against passing the ordinance because he viewed paraphernalia a helpful product for those who rely on narcotics for health reasons and are licensed.  He added there would also be tax incentives for the community by having access to a store in the city. 

Council Member Jon Bunce said he disagreed on the subject. 

"It seems we're using a loophole in the law," said Bunce, adding he did not think people using a substance such as medical marijuana need paraphernalia to take it. 

After brief discussion, the motion was passed to adopt the ordinance, with none opposed. 

"Obviously it's a touchy subject," said Mayor Protem Andrea Belding, adding Overhaul did make a few good points.  "But I think the tax revenue the City of Belding is looking for is not through drug paraphernalia."