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Council discusses gambling‑tax increase and 0.01% public safety tax to fund police match
Summary
Councilmembers discussed placing a gambling tax increase and a 0.01% public safety tax on upcoming agendas; one councilmember estimated the gambling tax could raise about $20,000 and the mayor said the public safety tax would require two readings and legal review before a July effective date.
Tenino councilmembers spent part of the meeting discussing two potential revenue measures: raising the local gambling tax and proposing a 0.01% public safety tax intended to help pay for a state 75% police‑officer match program.
Councilmember Jeff asked to add a gambling tax discussion to the next agenda after staff examined public records from local establishments. "If the gambling activity continues, by raising that tax, we could bring another about $20,000 into the city," Jeff said, and he suggested dedicating that revenue to match the state program to help fund an additional officer.
The mayor said she will consult the city attorney about putting a 0.01% public safety tax on the council agenda and aims to finalize language so it could complete two readings before a July effective date. "It's gonna take two meetings, I'm guessing, to pass it," she said, describing the need for a first and second reading.
Councilmembers discussed timing: raising the gambling tax and adopting a public safety measure would require ordinance readings and coordination with the state program timeline; staff will return with draft ordinance language and more precise revenue estimates for council consideration.
