Sandpoint council begins work on potential local option tax ballot measure for May

Sandpoint— The Sandpoint City Council opened discussion Feb. 4 on placing a local option sales tax question on the May 2026 ballot to generate dedicated local revenue for infrastructure projects.

Mayor Jeremy Grama outlined options including directing proceeds to roads and alleys, contributing to the wastewater bond debt, funding emergency medical services and waterfront access improvements, and possibly reserving a portion for affordable housing programs. Council members repeatedly urged a focused approach, arguing that narrow, tangible uses and clear public education will improve voter acceptance.

Councilor Joe Espiro and others said prior attempts fell short in public outreach and that better transparency and ongoing reporting would build trust. Staff noted statutory deadlines: ballot language must be delivered to county election officials in early March; the council directed staff to prepare draft ballot language and to bring options back to subsequent meetings for refinement.

What happens next: Staff will draft ballot language options and project-targeting scenarios, return for council review in February, and—if council approves—submit final language to the county in time for the May ballot. Councilors emphasized quarterly reporting and strong community outreach as part of any campaign plan should the measure be placed on the ballot.