No rate increases, vape shop regulations proposed at Perry city council meeting. Here’s what we know

PERRY — Perry City Council heard the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 operating budget and a new set of regulations impacting future vape shops during their meeting on Tuesday, June 5. No action was taken since this was the first reading on both items.

The proposed budget will include no rate increases, according to Assistant City Manager Mitchell Worthington. Council will either approve or deny the budget at its June 16 meeting. Although it is expected to be approved.

Public hearing on FY 2027 operating budget

Mayor Randall Walker and council allowed residents to voice their concerns or opinions on the operating budget. 

According to Worthington, there will be no increase in the enterprise or general fund. The budget will not have property tax increases through a millage rate. 

Worthington said there are growth assumptions, meaning there will be revenue increases based on growth. However, there will be no new rates, and residents will continue paying their current utility fees. 

The budget was proposed during the May 4 work session. Councilmembers provided their feedback on the water and solid waste fund. 

According to the publicly available work session minutes, multiple councilmembers said they did not want to see rate increases in the budget. 

Worthington said they have made significant changes from the original proposal. 

During the public hearing, no one spoke in favor or in opposition to the proposed budget. 

Vape shop regulations

Interim Community Development Director Holly Wharton explained the department’s proposal on regulating vape shops in the city. 

Wharton said the text amendment was created in response to the increase in vape shops in the city and surrounding areas. She said there are about five vape shops located in Perry.

The proposed regulations say:

• Vape shops will not sell products to people under 21 years of age.
• Will not be located within 2,000 linear feet of a daycare center or school. 
• Will not be located within 2,000 linear feet of another existing vape shop.
• There should not be more than one vape shop in the city for every 10,000 residents. 
• Windows should be see-through, not smoked or mirrored. 
• Shops will not provide drive-through service.

Wharton recommends adding a vape shop definition, which the code currently does not have. Council documents define a vape shop as an establishment with 30% or more of its inventory that’s vape-related.

Vape-related items are cartridges, refills, vaporizers, liquids, e-liquids, accessories and paraphernalia. 

Wharton said vape products include any device that can be used to deliver aerosolized or vaporized substances, including nicotine, THC and other compounds to the respiratory system.

She said this will not apply to general merchandise establishments that have less than 30% of vape-related inventory, such as a convenience store.   

The city will only allow vape shop development by special exception in commercial districts. When the special exception goes through, it will still go to the mayor and council for review and approval. 

Wharton said existing vape shops are allowed to continue. Since they are allowing one vape shop per 10,000 residents, there can only be two shops in an area. She said if one goes out of business, it cannot be replaced. 

Council will decide at its June 16 meeting. 

Mayor and Council will hold their next pre-council meeting at 5 p.m. and the regular council meeting at 6 p.m. on June 16. Everyone is invited to attend, and the agenda is available before meetings here. Both meetings are also livestreamed on YouTube.