By Craig Anderson

SMYRNA — Town Council tabled discussion Monday about potential locations for marijuana-manufacturing operations.

The unanimous vote came after Smyrna’s director of planning Jeremy Rothwell outlined possible zoning ordinance options to regulate where any would-be plants could be located in industrial areas.

Council also heard from residents during a 15-minute public hearing on marijuana issues prior to the two-and-a-half-hour meeting at Town Hall.

Ultimately, though, members agreed to talk about the matter further at their next gathering Aug. 19.

In the interim, Mayor Robert Johnson expects he and other elected officials to visit manufacturing facilities in Maryland, “so we can learn about them and make more informed decisions.”

Smyrna Town Council has not approved any framework for retail stores or manufacturing plants in town, he added.

In other business Monday, council opted not to increase sewer service prices, based on the impact of a higher cost coming from Kent County.

Additionally, acting town manager Torrie James reported that guidelines for recording and posting meetings are being formalized.

Council also approved a fiscal year 2022 internal audit report, and Mayor Johnson reported that the fiscal year 2025 budget is being created.

The mayor said results of a review of 2022 and ’23 town finances by the state auditor could arrive as early as next month.