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Pierce County Council adopts one‑tenth‑of‑one‑percent Justice Fund sales tax after heated debate
Summary
After presentations from county finance staff and endorsements from the sheriff and prosecuting attorney, the Pierce County Council voted 5–2 to adopt O2026‑501, a one‑tenth‑of‑one‑percent sales tax to create a Justice Fund dedicated to criminal justice operations, accountability and capital needs.
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…
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