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Public commenters urge county to focus on drug dealers, propose 0.1% sales tax for housing
Summary
Speakers at Spokane County's public forum criticized downtown drug activity, called for enforcement against dealers, and asked commissioners to consider a 0.1% sales-and-use tax under RCW 82.14.530 to fund housing and services.
Several residents used Spokane County's open public forum to describe downtown drug activity and to urge elected officials to pursue enforcement and housing solutions.
Becky Dickerhoof, who identified herself as from the City of Spokane, said the immediate problem is not "homeless people on drugs" but rather "people on drugs" and that downtown has become a focal point for drug sales and use. "We do not see 7,200 drug addicted, unsheltered people in Downtown Spokane," Dickerhoof said, referencing a 2024 longitudinal systems analysis cited in her remarks. "No one is happy that our downtown area is a showcase for the fentanyl crisis."
Dickerhoof recommended distinguishing between victims and criminals and urged property owners and business leaders to report illegal activity rather than "turning on the victims."
She also urged commissioners to adopt what she described as the "15/90 tax," citing RCW 82.14.530, which she said authorizes a county legislative authority to impose a sales-and-use tax not to exceed one-tenth of one percent (0.1 percent) for housing. "At least 60% of that money must be used for the construction of housing and related services," she said.
Another speaker, Justin Haller of District 1, described widespread drug use and criminal behavior in downtown areas and expressed frustration with law enforcement and housing operators he criticized by name. Haller said he has asked police about "big drug busts" and suggested more visible enforcement at night. His comments included criticism of certain housing providers and local officials; those statements were presented as his personal views.
The speakers did not present a formal proposal on the board's agenda; their remarks were part of public comment and no board action on the topics was recorded during the meeting.
Commissioners acknowledged the comments; the record shows no formal request for immediate action by the board on drug enforcement or tax adoption at this meeting.
