The Grand Rapids City Commission tabled a vote to reduce the police budget by $9-million on Tuesday, while approving a plan to move toward recreational marijuana in the city.

In a lengthy six and half hour meeting, the Grand Rapids City Commission delayed a vote on knocking nine million dollars off the GRPD budget, instead approving an amendment reallocating $400,000 toward more public oversight.

The original amendment, proposed by 2nd Ward Commissioner Milinda Ysasi, would have adjusted the Police Department overall percentage of the City Budget form the current 38.6% to 32%, the lowest allowed by law.

But City Attorney Anita Hitchcock said the way the proposal was brought up violated state and local law, thus tabling the move.

The City Commission also voted to fast track applications for adult-use (or recreational) marijuana sales in the city. Current applicants approved for medical use marijuana will now be able to apply for a license to sell recreational cannabis in late August. Non-retail businesses will be able to submit an application on July 20.

If you  have six and a half hours to kill, you can watch the whole City Commission meeting now.

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