Philomath voters will decide in May whether to prohibit psilocybin-related businesses within city limits and whether to annex seven island territories currently surrounded by the city.
The city has referred the eight ballot measures to the May 19 primary election, according to a notice of receipt of ballot titles that have been filed.
The psilocybin measure, if approved, would ban the establishment of psilocybin product manufacturers and psilocybin service center operators within city limits. If denied, such businesses would be permitted to operate subject to regulations outlined in a previously approved city ordinance that establishes time, place, and manner restrictions.
Oregon law allows the operation, manufacturing, distribution, and possession of psilocybin and psilocin — compounds found in psychedelic mushrooms — but also permits cities to prohibit such activities within their boundaries through voter-approved measures.
The city’s regulations, which would take effect if voters reject the prohibition, include business registration requirements, operating hours restrictions, distance requirements from residential neighborhoods and schools, and regulations on public view, odors, lighting, outdoor storage and signage.
The seven annexation measures would bring island territories — properties surrounded by city limits but not currently within them — into Philomath’s jurisdiction.
The annexations include:
- 500 Pioneer St. (2.75 acres)
- North of 392 N. Seventh St. (2 acres)
- 498 N. Ninth St. (1.30 acres)
- 365 and 401 N. 17th St. (5.58 acres)
- 610 S. 19th St. (0.61 acre)
- 640, 700 and 714 S. 19th St. (2.91 acres)
- Right-of-way at north end of North Seventh Street (0.10 acre)
Complete copies of all ballot title captions, questions and summaries are available at the city recorder’s office and can be accessed on the city’s website.
Voters may file a petition for review of any ballot title in Benton County Circuit Court no later than 5 p.m. Feb. 12, under state statute.