Spokane County approves sales tax increase for criminal justice operations

SPOKANE COUNTY, Wash. — People across Spokane County will see higher sales taxes next year. The Board of County Commissioners approved an increase Tuesday afternoon that would generate revenue for criminal justice operations.

The tax passed 3-1, with only Commissioner Josh Kerns voting against it. Commissioner Al French was absent.

The 0.1% sales tax increase will add 10 cents to every $100 purchase made by anyone in Spokane County, including in unincorporated areas. Under state law, the commissioners can impose this tax without voter approval as long as the revenue funds criminal justice expenses such as jails, courts and the sheriff’s office.

The tax will begin on New Year’s Day.

“Increasing taxes on already over-taxed people has not proven to be a successful approach to reoccurring problems,” said Linda, a Spokane County resident who spoke at a public hearing before the vote. “You already have a lot of money to use. And how are you using it?”

Her comments reflected concerns from some attendees who questioned whether the county has adequately explained how it would allocate the tax dollars.

The county said it is still working out how the money will be divided between departments, but that more information will be available in December.

Other people at the hearing supported the tax increase, arguing that adequate funding for criminal justice and law enforcement is essential for public safety.

This comes as the City of Spokane is considering its own sales tax increase. If that measure also passes, people in Spokane could face an additional 20 cents in taxes per $100 in purchases starting next year, on top of existing sales taxes.