Image: Liberty Lake Police Chief Damon Simmons is photographed at the Liberty Lake police station on Dec. 21, 2020. The Liberty Lake City Council voted 6-0 earlier this year to ask voters for a 0.1% sales tax for public safety in the November 2026 election. (KATHY PLONKA/The Spokesman-Review)
Liberty Lake voters will consider a 0.1% sales tax increase intended to generate an estimated $750,000 annually for public safety.
City officials say the revenue would be dedicated to the Liberty Lake Police Department and could support officer salaries, additional personnel, equipment, and other public safety needs. Mayor Cris Kaminskas said police compensation has fallen behind in recent years, requiring the city to spend the past four years working to bring salaries up to date.
The city’s police officers previously worked under a contract negotiated through the Teamsters union. After that arrangement ended about four years ago, officers formed their own guild.
If approved, the additional revenue could potentially support one or two additional police officers, according to Councilman Dan Dunne. He said the city would work with Police Chief Damon Simmons to determine how the funds could best be used.
The Liberty Lake City Council voted unanimously on March 17 to place the measure before voters.
Councilwoman Linda Ball said the proposed increase is primarily tied to the city’s growth rather than an increase in crime. She noted that public safety represents more than half of the city’s annual budget and is its largest expenditure.
City officials also pointed to community support for the police department as a factor in bringing the measure forward. Kaminskas said residents have generally been supportive of local officers.
The proposal would direct the new sales tax revenue specifically toward public safety rather than the city’s general fund. Voters will determine whether the additional sales tax is approved.
