SPOKANE COUNTY, Wash. — Shoppers will pay a slightly higher sales tax starting next year after county commissioners approved a 0.1% increase to fund law enforcement and court operations.
The sales tax increase will generate approximately $14.5 million annually to support the Sheriff’s Office, prosecutors, public defenders and other court staff. Despite the new revenue, county officials acknowledge the measure addresses only part of a larger budget shortfall.
Commissioner Chris Jordan emphasized the importance of maintaining core public safety operations. “Dozens of court staff, that means prosecutors, public defenders, judicial staff, and we can’t let that happen. So that first priority would be to maintain our core public safety operations,” Jordan said.
County Sheriff John Nowels told commissioners during yesterday’s meeting that the additional funding is critical to maintaining current staffing levels. “If I am not able to have you meet my budget needs to keep my staff where it is today, I have to cover a $6.5 million budget deficit. That’s 40 employees,” Nowels said.
The approval comes as Spokane County residents express frustration over multiple tax increases in recent years. Shoppers interviewed about the increase cited the cumulative effect of rising taxes combined with inflation and the overall cost of living in Washington State.
Lindsay McMahan, who lives in Spokane Valley, described the financial strain many residents are experiencing. “We’re having a hard time especially with inflation. The more I make, the more everything costs especially in Washington State. Now they’re trying to take even more from me. I barely have a couple hundred bucks to eat at the end of the month,” McMahan said.
Despite the new sales tax revenue, county commissioners face significant budget challenges ahead. The county is projecting a $22 million deficit for next year.
The county has already reduced 91 positions over the past year as officials work to manage budget constraints. Commissioner Jordan acknowledged that additional cost-cutting measures will be necessary. “I think we’ll be looking to control costs for years to come. This does not close our deficit all the way, we’re going to be needing to do more cost-cutting going forward,” Jordan said.
County commissioners will continue exploring other ways to balance the budget in the coming weeks.
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