Residents voice broad opposition and some support for proposed public‑safety tax during Pierce County community forum

During the community forum at the Feb. 10 Pierce County Council meeting, multiple members of the public spoke about a proposed sales‑tax ordinance and competing views about a proposed one‑tenth‑of‑one‑percent public‑safety funding measure.

Ken Paulson, speaking in chambers, summarized numerous written comments opposing a proposed ordinance described as a tax increase, telling the council that many constituents “cannot afford to pay more taxes” and urging them not to pass a sales tax. Paulson read representative comments and said he had gathered approximately 475 written comments opposing the ordinance.

Laurie Lee, speaking next, urged support for a 0.1% measure tied to HB 2015, arguing the per‑purchase cost is small and that revenue would help law enforcement and courts. “Even if you spend 1000 dollars, you still only tax $1,” Lee said.

Online commenters linked the remembrance discussion to present detention and immigration concerns. Andrea Esquierdo said the remembrance highlighted parallels with current immigration detention and called for efforts to repair immigration procedures. Eden Tornay, a clinical social worker, used the forum to press for school safety measures emphasizing mental health supports rather than security hardware.

Chair Hitchens and council members noted the item has drawn significant attention. The chair reminded the public that the proposed ordinance (referred to in the meeting as ordinance 2026‑501 and tied to a one‑tenth‑of‑one‑percent public‑safety/justice funding proposal) had been continued for additional public input and staff review; the council scheduled a committee‑of‑the‑whole meeting on Feb. 18 at 9:30 a.m. for further public comment and discussion.

The council did not take any final legislative action on the tax at this meeting; members said the issue will return for more public testimony and committee consideration.