STA board delays decision on sales tax renewal timing amid concerns over competing ballot measures

SPOKANE — The Spokane Transit Authority Board of Directors postponed a decision Thursday on when to ask voters to renew a sales tax that funds public transportation, with some members expressing concern about potential competition from other tax measures.

The board is weighing whether to place the renewal on the August ballot or wait until later, as the current two-tenths of one percent sales tax that maintains and expands public transit doesn’t expire until the end of 2028.

Community members urged the board to act quickly to secure funding for transportation services that many residents depend on daily.

“Send this measure to voters as soon as possible with no sunset clause. We’ve already voted to fund STA at this level once; we will do so again,” one community member told the board during Thursday’s meeting.

The sales tax renewal is essential for implementing STA’s newest strategic plan, Connect 2035. The tax revenue ensures access to state and federal grants that fund programs including Youth Ride Free and special needs services.

City Council Member Sarah Dixit from District 1 advocated for moving forward without delay.

“The people have spoken here. They’re all in support of extending the sales tax and if anything, to increase it. So, I think the renewal is the baseline of what we should do and we shouldn’t waste any time,” Dixit said.

However, County Commissioner Josh Kerns from District 3 raised concerns about timing, citing potential competition from a tax measure being considered by Spokane’s new Safe and Healthy Taskforce.

“They are two completely different issues, but its a huge chunk of the same voters and its a huge chunk of the same taxpayers. That’s what’s at the crux here,” Kerns said.

Discussions about the public safety measure remain preliminary, but the potential overlap has prompted the STA board to seek input from other community partners before making a final decision.

The board agreed to defer the vote and will meet again on April 28 to discuss the proposed measure. If they want to place the renewal on the August ballot, they must approve it by May 1.