From left: Councilmembers Rod Dembowski, Sarah Perry, Girmay Zahilay and Claudia Balducci listen during a Metropolitan King County Council meeting in January. Some members are advocating for a new sales tax to help fund… (Ellen M. Banner / The Seattle Times)
King County Councilmembers are proposing a new 0.1% sales tax to help address a projected $160 million budget shortfall and support critical public safety services. The proposed tax would help fund sheriff’s deputies, public defenders, court operations, and behavioral health diversion programs. Council Chair Girmay Zahilay and Councilmember Rod Dembowski, chair of the Budget Committee, are leading the effort, citing long-standing limits on property tax revenue growth that have made it difficult to keep up with rising costs.
The proposal aligns with newly passed HB 2015, which allows counties and cities to adopt a sales tax to support law enforcement and legal systems, provided certain training standards are met. The legislation also includes a state grant program aimed at enhancing police hiring across Washington.
Supporters argue the measure is necessary to prevent cuts to essential services, while critics warn it adds to Washington’s already regressive tax system. Because the County Executive initiates all budget proposals, Councilmembers Zahilay and Dembowski are holding off on introducing the legislation as they engage in discussions with County Executive Shannon Braddock, who has not taken a public stance on the tax proposal.
The outcome could have implications for retail and consumer behavior in King County, as it would increase the overall sales tax rate for all purchases by 10 cents for each $100 spent. WR will monitor developments closely and provide updates.
