The Black Lens staff
In a July 22 Legislative session, the Spokane City Council voted 5-2 to pass a resolution authorizing the county auditor to place on the November ballot a proposition to OK an increase to the local sales-and-use tax in Spokane of one-tenth of 1% (or 0.1%), the city wrote in a statement.
The revenue from the tax will be used for enhanced community safety purposes, including, but not limited to, operation enhancements for the Spokane Fire Department, Spokane Police Department, Municipal Court, and the Office of the Police Ombudsman.
“I am grateful to the Council for their support in placing the Community Safety Sales Tax on the ballot and allowing voters to weigh in on their priorities,” Mayor Lisa Browns said in a statement. “If passed, money from this sales tax will go toward critical investments like new, reliable vehicles for our firefighters, reviving the Neighborhood Resource Officer program, and overall improved community safety for all.”
Council President Betsy Wilkerson concurred.
“Ensuring that the Fire and Police Departments have the necessary equipment to perform their safety duties has always been my priority,” she said. “Community Safety also involves fully supporting and maintaining the functionality of our courts.
Essential items, such food and prescription drugs, would not be subject to the tax. If adopted by the Spokane voters, the sales tax would go into effect early 2025.