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Milton leaders begin public discussion of proposed public safety sales tax to shore up budgets
Summary
City staff presented a proposal to place a 0.1% public safety sales tax on the ballot after presenting projections that, at current revenue and spending trends, Milton’s general‑fund reserves could drop below the city policy target by 2028; staff estimated net revenue to the city at about $200,000 annually and said statutory rules limit some other local revenues.
Milton officials opened a council discussion on July 20 about placing a public safety sales tax on a future ballot to bolster police and public‑safety services.
Police Chief Hernandez explained why the city is starting the conversation: “fund balances in the general fund will fall below the target amount of at least 8% of the budget operating expenditure by the end of 2028,” and “in order to sustain the Police Department public safety at the levels which meet the community's expectations, the city will need additional funds.” The chief framed the issue as long‑term planning, citing rising labor and operational costs and the effects of nearby Sound Transit construction on sales tax receipts.
Finance Director Robec said staff discussed alternatives and recommended bringing a public measure for voter consideration. Robec gave the council an estimate of roughly $200,000 in annual city revenue at the proposed 0.1% rate after accounting for the statutory county share and noted the figure assumes the 85% allocation to the city under the applicable RCW. Robec also identified legal constraints on other revenue sources and advised the council on implementation details and deadlines.
Council members pressed staff on alternatives and restrictions. Council Member Roberts asked whether citation or camera revenue could be used for policing; Robec and Chief Hernandez said camera revenue is tightly restricted and “cannot be used to support police officers or police vehicles or police operations,” and instead must be applied to traffic‑safety infrastructure such as sidewalks, bike lanes or traffic calming.
Council members also discussed options besides a sales tax — a local business‑and‑occupation tax was considered but staff warned it would increase administrative workload and might require outsourcing. Robec said the revenue potential for a B&O tax and the public safety sales tax would be similar but implementing a B&O tax could consume staff time and reduce net benefit.
Staff requested direction to prepare a ballot measure and return to council on Aug. 3 with final materials. Robec told the council that, if the council elects to place the measure on the ballot, paperwork must be filed with Pierce and King counties by 4:00 a.m. on the 4th (under the timeline staff described) and that the only additional election cost in a general election would be an estimated $2,000 for a voter‑guide page.
What’s next: staff will prepare a draft ballot measure, public education materials and schedule follow‑up for the Aug. 3 council meeting before any final council authorization to place the question before voters.
