Douglas Select Board accepts $9,395 police grant, begins cannabis policy overhaul

DOUGLAS -- January 6, 2026, Douglas Select Board takes first step toward replacing outdated cannabis bylaw. The board voted 4-0 Tuesday to appoint John Begaleo to the Building and Facilities Community Committee and 4-0 to accept a $9,394.84 state 911 training grant for dispatch training and overtime. The board also completed the first of three required readings of a draft one-page cannabis policy, prepared with land use counsel, that would bring the town into compliance with Cannabis Control Commission directives by formally waiving host community agreement requirements, a formality the town has already been practicing, as cannabis establishments are permitted in every commercial zone in Douglas with no distinction from other retail businesses. Town Administrator Robin warned that neighboring communities opting into state-approved social consumption of cannabis could force Douglas's hand competitively, calling the state's approach "forcing a form of competition in the industry." The administrator also disclosed roughly $7,700 in weather-related public safety radio tower repairs at the Church Street site, flagged a legal services budget running over projections due to new-counsel onboarding costs, and said approximately $450,000 in overlay funds held against a now-abandoned tax appeal by Cubes of Gilboa is available to help close a projected budget gap.