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Police report shows falling crime in Woodinville; council approves first reading of sales tax for public safety
Summary
Chief Myers reported a year‑over‑year drop in most crime categories, including a 31% reduction in crimes against persons, while DUI enforcement rose. Council approved first reading of a 0.1% sales‑tax increase (Ordinance 803) dedicated to public safety funding.
Woodinville’s police leadership told the City Council that most crime categories trended downward over the past year, but the department plans to sustain and expand enforcement and alternative response teams. At the March meeting Chief Myers presented Woodinville’s 2025 crime snapshot and discussed public-safety priorities and transition planning.
Lede facts: Chief Myers said crimes against persons fell by roughly 31% year over year, driven mainly by fewer simple assaults; property crimes (retail theft, fraud and commercial burglary) remain the area consuming most patrol and investigative resources. He also reported an increase in DUI enforcement, which staff attributed to higher enforcement levels rather than a growth in DUI collisions. Chief Myers highlighted co‑response programs: the King County Sheriff’s therapeutic response unit embedded with officers and Eastside Fire & Rescue’s mobile integrated health (CORE) program, which staff use for crisis and social‑service referrals.
Policy response: In the same meeting council considered Ordinance 803, proposing a one‑tenth‑of‑one‑percent sales-and-use tax dedicated to public safety. Staff and councilors discussed the regressive nature of sales taxes versus property‑tax alternatives and noted the city’s need to sustain law‑enforcement staffing and co‑response programs. Deputy Mayor Randolph moved and the council approved the first reading of Ordinance 803 by voice vote; the measure will return for additional consideration.
Context and process: Chief Myers announced plans for succession and noted the city has opened a recruitment process in coordination with the Sheriff’s Office; he emphasized continuity and transition support. Council members praised the department’s community‑policing emphasis and the contributions of co‑response teams in reducing pressure on patrol staffing.
What council decided: Ordinance 803 advanced on first reading by voice vote; staff will return with materials required for subsequent readings and public information about how the new revenue would be used to support policing and alternative response programs.
