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Council delays decision on proposed 0.1% public safety sales tax; seeks more budget analysis
Summary
After a public hearing and extended debate, the Battle Ground City Council voted to delay action on a proposed councilmanic 0.1% public safety sales and use tax intended to fund two police officers and related costs. Councilmembers requested a full financial analysis, alternatives and that a full council be present for the final vote.
Battle Ground City Council on Nov. 3 postponed action on an ordinance that would enact a city 0.1% public safety sales and use tax, following public testimony and lengthy discussion about alternatives, grant timing and distributional effects.
City staff described the tax as a councilmanic 0.1% sales-and-use tax that would take effect April 1, 2026 if adopted by the city. Staff estimated the tax would generate roughly $500,250 for the nine months in 2026 and said the revenue would be dedicated to adding two police officers in 2026 and related costs, reduce overtime and potentially serve as a local match for Criminal Justice Training Commission (CJTC) grant-funded positions.
Janice Ferguson, a member of the public, urged the council to resist new taxes and to require developers and large corporations to pay more in impact or permit fees instead. "Our tax rate and taxes are high enough," she said, arguing that growth and building increase traffic and service costs.
Councilmembers offered a range of views in the subsequent debate. Several emphasized support for public safety but asked for more detailed budget analysis and alternatives before approving a new tax. Councilmember Davis asked staff to identify internal budget options and to return with several alternatives the council could consider during the budget process. Others asked that the discussion wait until a full council was present and stressed that CJTC grants could be pursued without the tax.
Deputy Mayor Bowman moved to delay the ordinance; the motion was seconded by Councilmember Kuipers and approved by voice vote. Council directed staff to return with financial analyses that compare the proposed tax to alternate budget scenarios, estimates of overtime savings from hired officers, grant match details and the implications of other anticipated new local or county taxes.
Councilmembers noted that sales tax spreads the cost to nonresidents who shop in the city, and that it offers some inflation protection compared with the property-tax lid (which can legally increase only by 1% annually). Several members said they were comfortable delaying the decision and requested staff return with the requested information ahead of the next meeting so council could consider adoption with a full body present.
No ordinance was adopted Nov. 3.
