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Councilmember proposes 0.1% sales tax as one option to close $400,000 shortfall
Summary
Councilmember Jensen suggested the council consider a 0.1% sales tax increase to help cover the roughly $400,000 deficit caused by the loss of paid-parking revenue, calling it an uncomfortable but possible measure to fund public safety.
Councilmember Jensen told the council she would reluctantly consider a county-authorized option to raise the local sales tax by 0.1 percent to offset an approximate $400,000 gap in the general fund, with proceeds directed toward public safety.
"Though I dislike suggesting a tax increase, I believe that a 0.1% tax increase could go towards public safety and offset the $400,000 deficit in the City's general fund," Jensen said. She noted that residents and visitors to Tacoma already pay a higher sales tax than those in Ruston and framed the proposal as one possible tool to preserve services.
Jensen also reminded the council of an upcoming community blood drive on Oct. 2, 2025 and encouraged volunteer sign-ups via the Red Cross website. No formal motion on the sales-tax option was made at the Sept. 16 meeting.
