SPOKANE, Wash. – A new sales tax proposal aims to boost funding for critical public safety organizations in Spokane. The tax is expected to support the Spokane Fire Department, Police Departments, Municipal Court, and Police Ombuds.
Erin Hut, Spokane’s Director of Communications, commented on the nature of the tax, clarifying common misconceptions. “It’s on things like concert tickets just to be totally transparent about that a lot of folks are still confused and think it’s a property tax, and it’s not,” said Hut.
Hut emphasized the importance of equipping local public safety officials. “We need to be able to equip our police officers, our firefighters, and our court staff with the resources that they need, and this would be an investment to allow them to go further and take additional steps that we know the public wants,” she stated.
The tax is projected to bring in approximately $7.7 million annually. According to Hut, these funds will support various programs and improvements such as the neighborhood resource officer program within Spokane Police and the fire training academy within Spokane Fire.
However, not everyone supports the proposal. Spokane County Sheriff John Knowles and others have voiced concerns, describing the plans as vague. They argue that the measure could hinder regional operations.
The proposed tax would impose a $1 fee for every $1,000 spent on items like hardware, concert tickets, and clothing, with exemptions for groceries, rent, and prescription drugs.
Voters will decide on this sales tax in November. The outcome will determine if these funding enhancements for public safety will be implemented in Spokane.
