Spokane Valley council advances 0.1% public-safety sales tax to August ballot after heated public hearing

The Spokane Valley City Council voted to advance an ordinance to the second reading that would place a 0.1% public-safety sales tax on the Aug. 5, 2025, special election ballot.

The tax — an increase from 8.9% to 9.0% local sales tax — would be dedicated to public safety and is estimated in city materials to generate about $2.6 million annually, with roughly half the revenue paid by nonresident shoppers. The ordinance directs that the revenue be used for criminal-justice purposes permitted by statute, including staffing recommended in the city’s recent Matrix Consulting study.

Why it matters: Council and public debate centered on whether the city should ask voters to fund a recommended increase in police and related support staff rather than cutting other services. Proponents, including police leadership, said additional officers would shorten emergency response times, increase proactive patrols and investigation capacity, and reduce officer overtime.

Chief Dave Ellis, Spokane Valley Police Department, summarized the Matrix study at the public hearing and gave staffing details: "The staffing recommendations came back…