SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. — Nearly 60% of Spokane Valley voters have approved a new sales tax meant to fund additional public safety services throughout the growing city.
The measure increases the city’s sales tax by 0.1%. City officials estimate the increased tax will cost the average shopper around $12 more per year.
Spokane Valley Police said the funding generated by the tax will go toward hiring 10 additional officers to meet the growing community’s needs.
“Our officers are frequently talking about how they’re running from call to call to call, and there’s a significant amount of calls on hold and waiting for them,” said SVPD Chief Dave Ellis.
The additional officers will provide various services throughout the city, including patrol duties, investigations and increased police presence at schools.
According to SVPD, through the measure, each high school in Spokane Valley will be guaranteed a resource officer every day of the week — something the department cannot currently provide due to staffing shortages.
The Spokane Valley Police Department currently employs just under 120 officers, a number that has remained relatively unchanged since the department opened more than 20 years ago. Since that time, the city says its population has grown 31%, increasing calls for service.
Melinda Seymour, a Spokane Valley resident for more than four decades, supported the measure despite typically opposing new taxes.
“We know that we’re vulnerable and we need protection at every level,” Seymour said. “It’s just something that is going to keep our community thriving and doing well.”
The tax is expected to generate $2.6 million annually for the Spokane Valley Police Department.
“We’re excited about this opportunity to be able to shorten our response times and provide even better service,” Chief Ellis said.
4 News Now asked community members on social media what they think of the proposal. Many expressed mixed reactions and questioned why police expansion isn’t already included in the city budget or funded by the state.
City officials and the police department say they support the measure after reviewing current services and available resources.
For the latest voting results, click HERE.
Votes will continue to be counted over the next few days and final results will be certified on August 19.
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