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Kenmore council adopts 0.1% public-safety sales tax after 4-2 vote
Summary
Kenmore City Council adopted ordinance 26-0641 to impose a 0.1% public-safety sales tax to help balance the budget, passing on a 4-2 roll-call vote after a debate over the tax’s regressivity and alternatives.
Kenmore City Council voted to adopt ordinance 26-0641, imposing a 0.1 percentage-point public-safety sales tax beginning under state enabling law, after a 4–2 roll-call vote.
Finance Director Melinda Merrill presented the ordinance and told the council the proposal had been discussed at prior meetings; councilors moved quickly to a vote after brief discussion. A number of members said the tax is regressive but necessary to help balance the city’s budget.
“One the sales tax — it is regressive,” said a council member during debate, adding that the council must pursue efficiencies in the budget before relying solely on new taxes. Another council member said they would vote no because of concern about impacts on affordability despite understanding the budgetary need.
Deputy mayor expressed a continuing commitment to lobby Olympia for less-regressive, state-level options, saying the council will press the Legislature for better tools. After roll call, the ordinance was adopted, 4 in favor and 2 opposed.
Votes at a glance: ordinance 26-0641 (public-safety sales tax) — adopted 4–2. The council also adopted ordinance 26-0640 (extension of interim regulations near Swamp Creek) unanimously earlier in the meeting and approved a real-estate purchase (item g) on the consent calendar after separate consideration (see separate article).
The ordinance will be codified into the Kenmore Municipal Code as described in the agenda packet. City staff presented no additional implementation timeline during the meeting; councilors noted further budget work will follow in coming months.
