Spokane continues debate on sales tax increase for public safety needs

The useful part

Spokane city officials are considering a proposed 0.1% sales tax increase expected to generate between $4.5 million and $6 million annually to fund a new justice center and other crisis response and emergency management services. Spokane's current combined sales tax rate is 9.1%, according to the Washington Department of Revenue. The proposed 0.1% increase would bring the rate to 9.2%, adding 10 cents to every $100 taxable purchase.

How it works

• Spokane City Councilmember Michael Cathcart said voters should have a say before the city raises taxes to pay for the proposal, arguing the city should seek public input on how the money is spent and...
• The estimated $4.5 million to $6 million in annual revenue would depend on consumer activity.
• The proposal includes four primary spending areas: purchasing a new justice center, adding mental health clinicians to 911 operations, expanding crisis response services and providing additional funding for...

Details worth keeping

Cathcart calls for voter input Cathcart said the city sho...