Federal Way council unanimously adopts 0.1% local sales tax to bolster public safety

The Federal Way City Council voted unanimously April 7 to adopt a one-tenth of 1% (0.1%) local sales and use tax dedicated to public safety and criminal-justice purposes.

Proponents said the measure will provide a predictable local revenue stream to address staffing and operating needs for police and broader public-safety functions. Councilmember Hamilton, urging a yes vote, cited statewide staffing shortfalls and budget pressures: "Washington state is dead last in the nation for officers per capita... If we have to lose 11 officers, we are not going to be in a better position," she said, characterizing the tax as a step toward local control and reliability for safety services.

Opponents and cautious councilmembers raised concerns about the regressive effect of sales taxes and urged continued scrutiny of alternatives such as targeted fees or program reductions. Council President Honda said the city must balance support for police with stewardship across all departments; other members said the decision reflected a difficult choice in a tight fiscal environment.

City Administrator Brian Davis presented modeling of projected shortfalls if the city took no action and said a failure to act could require unfunded reductions, including leaving patrol positions vacant through attrition. The council discussed staff analysis showing that without new revenue the city could face a multiyear shortfall that would grow by roughly $3 million per year of delay.

The ordinance adds a new chapter to the Federal Way municipal code authorizing the additional 0.1% rate; the measure becomes effective after required state administrative steps. Councilmembers indicated they will continue to shape budget and program priorities for how the funds are allocated and asked staff to return with spending plans and performance metrics.

Vote: motion moved by Councilmember Sessions and seconded; the final vote was recorded as unanimous.