Michigan Township Blazes a Trail with Marijuana
Tax-Funded Fire Engine

Leoni Township Ignites Change with Cannabis
Revenue-Powered Firefighting Gear

Summary

• The Blackman-Leoni Township Department of Public Safety in Michigan is obtaining a new fire engine through the state’s Marijuana Excise Tax, a novel funding approach that brings $842,576 worth of firefighting capabilities without burdening the local community with additional taxes.
• The custom-built Rosenbauer Fire Engine is expected to arrive by May 2025, providing a significant upgrade for the department and ensuring reliable backup during maintenance or repairs.
• This acquisition, made possible by the marijuana tax, demonstrates Leoni Township’s commitment to utilizing available resources for the benefit of its residents.
• By investing in community assets, the township sets a responsible precedent for the equitable use of public funds, while also saving on loan-related fees and interest.

In a groundbreaking move, the Blackman-Leoni Township Department of Public Safety in Michigan is set to enhance its firefighting capabilities with a brand new Rosenbauer Fire Engine, all thanks to the state’s Marijuana Excise Tax. This innovative funding approach signals a shift in how public safety equipment is financed, bringing an $842,576 rig into the township’s service without burdening the local community with additional taxes.

The anticipated arrival of the custom-built fire engine by May 2025 marks a significant upgrade for the department, which last expanded its fleet in 2017 after a lengthy interval of 30 years without any acquisitions. The introduction of the state-of-the-art apparatus ensures that the 2017 engine can now have a reliable backup during maintenance or repair times, thereby bolstering the department’s readiness and efficiency in emergency responses.

Leoni Township and its surrounding areas in Jackson County stand to benefit immensely from this acquisition. Traditionally, funding for such vital equipment would necessitate a millage—essentially a property tax levied for a specific purpose. However, as Leoni Township Administrator Mike Jester noted in discussions with MLive, the utilization of Michigan’s Marijuana Excise Tax for the purchase sidesteps the need to solicit direct financial support from residents, presenting a fiscally responsible and community-friendly solution.

This initiative is a clear indication of the township’s commitment to leveraging available resources for the welfare of its residents. By directly investing the Marijuana Excise Tax Funds into community assets that serve everyone, Leoni Township sets a precedent for the responsible and equitable use of public funds. Jester’s acknowledgment of the savings accrued from avoiding loan-related fees and interest underscores the long-term financial prudence of this approach.

As Leoni Township eagerly anticipates the delivery of the new fire engine, this development serves as a testament to the positive impacts of state-sanctioned marijuana policies on broader community services and infrastructure