Spokane City Council approves sales tax proposition for November ballot

SPOKANE, Wash. — The Spokane City Council approved Proposition 1, sales and use tax to the November ballot Monday evening.

The Council voted 5-2 to pass the resolution, placing the proposition on the November ballot authorizing an increase to the local sales and use tax in Spokane of one-tenth of one percent (0.1%).

According to Spokane City Council, the revenue from the tax will be used for enhanced community safety purposes, including, but not limited to, operation enhancements for the Spokane Fire Department, Spokane Police Department, Municipal Court, and the Office of the Police Ombudsman.

“I am grateful to the Council for their support in placing the Community Safety Sales Tax on the ballot and allowing voters to weigh in on their priorities,” said Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown.  “If passed, money from this sales tax will go toward critical investments like new, reliable vehicles for our firefighters, reviving the Neighborhood Resource Officer program, and overall improved community safety for all.”

"Ensuring that the Fire and Police Departments have the necessary equipment to perform their safety duties has always been my priority," stated Council President Betsy Wilkerson. "Community Safety also involves fully supporting and maintaining the functionality of our courts.

Essential items, like food and prescription drugs, would not be subject to the tax. If adopted by the Spokane voters, the sales tax would go into effect early 2025.

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