Pierce County Council adopts one‑tenth‑of‑one‑percent Justice Fund sales tax after heated debate

Pierce County Council members voted 5–2 on March 3 to approve Ordinance O2026‑501, establishing a dedicated Justice Fund supported by a one‑tenth‑of‑one‑percent county sales and use tax for criminal justice purposes.

During a multi‑hour discussion, Finance Director Julie DeMuth told the council that public safety and criminal justice account for roughly 76% of the county’s general fund spending and that, without new recurring revenue, the county faces a projected $34 million structural deficit by 2028. "Public safety and the criminal justice system represent 76% of general fund spending," DeMuth said, and she projected the Justice Fund would generate more than $27 million annually by 2027.

Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney Mary Robnett urged the council to pass the ordinance, saying the county needs a dedicated revenue source to avoid cuts to prosecutors, public defenders, courts and corrections. "Without a dedicated revenue source, we’re in big trouble in Pierce County," Robnett said, and she urged the council to vote yes.

Sheriff Keith Swank, appearing by Zoom, described operational and equipment shortfalls—from digital evidence systems and body‑worn cameras in corrections to hiring incentives—and said he supports the measure despite generally opposing new taxes. "I am not typically a person that is pro tax," he said, "however ... this is the best thing to do because we all work together collaboratively."

Supporters argued the tax is modest—often described in testimony as a penny on a $10 purchase—and will be restricted by state law and the ordinance to criminal justice uses, with an advisory performance board and public reporting requirements. DeMuth and staff said the 2026–27 investments proposed total about $36 million and are targeted to sheriffs’ operations, court capacity, jail capital improvements and reentry/prevention programs.

Opponents at the podium and online pressed two recurring concerns: the regressive nature of a sales tax on low‑income households, and the ordinance’s connection to House Bill 2015 and state grant conditions, which some commenters said could reduce local autonomy or impose additional compliance requirements. Several residents said they planned to pursue a referendum after the council vote.

Council debate reflected those divisions. Members who voted yes said the county faces a structural funding crisis and that a restricted local revenue source is a lawful and necessary tool to stabilize the justice system and prevent deeper cuts. Members who voted no said the council should first exhaust budget reprioritization, reserves and internal reforms and were concerned about cumulative tax burdens and state conditions attached to the funding.

The ordinance authorizes the tax under state law (including RCW 82.14.345 and related authority tied to House Bill 2015), creates a Justice and Unified Safety Tax special revenue fund, and establishes a performance advisory board and public reporting requirements. The council also discussed the possibility of adding a sunset or bondability implications; staff advised that a sunset could be attached but that bonding against revenues is constrained by the need for multiyear certainty.

The clerk called the roll on final passage: Council members Ayala, Yambe, Denson, Morrell and Hitchin voted Aye; Council members Herrera and Kuver voted No. The ordinance passed 5–2.

Next steps: staff said the county submitted an application to the Criminal Justice Training Commission on Jan. 21 and expects certification under HB2015; the ordinance ties local implementation to that state process. The ordinance requires annual reporting and independent performance audits and directs staff to publish expenditure and performance data to the county’s Open Pierce County platform.

Action: Ordinance O2026‑501 adopted (5 ayes, 2 nays).