Liberty Lake council votes to send 0.1% sales‑tax proposal for criminal justice services to voters

Liberty Lake’s City Council voted unanimously March 17 to place a one‑tenth of one percent sales and use tax on the ballot so voters can decide whether to fund criminal justice services locally.

Mayor Pro Tem Dunn said the resolution creates a choice for residents. “This is creating opportunity for the voters of the community, to consider an incremental sales tax in support of public safety,” Dunn said, framing the proposition as a local alternative to a county or regional measure. Council members and staff emphasized that the central question is whether revenue stays in Liberty Lake or flows to a larger taxing authority.

Council members discussed outreach and education needs before the election. One council member urged staff to explain clearly how revenues would be used and how outcomes would differ depending on whether the city or a larger entity collects the tax. “We’ll definitely need to work through all those scenarios for our citizens so they can make the information to make their choice,” the mayor said.

The council recorded no public comments in chambers or online about the measure before the vote. The motion to approve Resolution 26‑284 passed 6‑0.

Next steps include staff‑led public information efforts and scenario planning to show residents the differences in revenue allocation and how the funds would be allocated to criminal justice services if voters approve the measure. Council members said they will schedule outreach and prepare informational materials ahead of the ballot deadline.