The Mecosta County Board of Commissioners has voted to allocate nearly $194,000 from its marijuana excise tax fund to help Green Charter Township cover legal fees in its ongoing battle with Gotion Inc.
(Photo credit: USA Today).
The controversial decision funnels about 25% of the county’s $773,743 disbursement for 2025 to one project—supporting Green Charter Township’s legal appeal against a federal injunction tied to the Gotion battery plant. The vote was 5-2 in favor, with Commissioners Chris Jane and Bill Routley opposing the move.
Commissioners backing the request framed it as a one-time response to an extraordinary situation. “This is about helping a township that got left holding the bag,” said Commissioner Greg Adams. Chair Chris Zimmerman called it an effort to “close the books on Gotion once and for all.”
Critics, however, say the decision undermines the purpose of marijuana excise tax revenue, which is typically distributed across dozens of county programs supporting public safety, infrastructure, and health services. Commissioner Jane, who cast a dissenting vote, has since submitted his resignation, citing ethical concerns.
The funding request stems from a lawsuit filed by Gotion Inc. after Green Charter Township’s newly elected board rescinded support for the company’s proposed EV battery plant. The project had drawn sharp public backlash due to environmental concerns and the company’s Chinese ties. Gotion sued to enforce its original development agreement, and a federal judge granted a preliminary injunction requiring the township to cooperate.
Facing mounting legal bills, Green Charter Township requested $200,000 from the county’s marijuana tax fund. While the amount ultimately granted was $193,987, the decision ignited public debate and will be the focus of a planned protest at the Mecosta County Governmental Center on Thursday, July 3 at 8 a.m.
The remainder of the county’s MET allocations, totaling over $570,000, was released July 1 and includes grants to fire departments, schools, libraries, and nonprofits. Final approval of the entire budget is expected at the board’s July meeting.
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