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Commissioners discuss placing public safety sales‑tax increment on the ballot
Summary
Board members discussed asking voters to approve a sales‑tax increase for public safety, including options of three‑tenths of a percent or smaller increments, and the need to meet ballot deadlines and coordinate city shares.
The Board discussed whether to place a sales‑tax increment for public safety on the ballot, weighing a proposal for three‑tenths of a percent against smaller options and the limit of ballot preparation deadlines.
One commissioner proposed putting a three‑tenths‑of‑a‑percent sales tax on the ballot with a fallback to a one‑tenth option if the larger request failed; other commissioners noted the need to coordinate with cities that would receive portions of any revenue and the statutory requirement that the prosecuting attorney prepare ballot language. Commissioners discussed a six‑year levy term as preferable to a ten‑year term because longer terms reduce the annual rate needed but may affect voter support.
Staff was asked to work with the sheriff’s office and county attorney’s office (referred to in meeting as Esther) to draft tailored language for the initiative. Commissioners noted that the tax is a sales tax (not including most grocery purchases) and that exact city shares depend on participating jurisdictions. No final board decision to place the measure on the ballot was recorded; staff were directed to prepare language and materials to meet the May 1 deadline if the board decides to proceed.
