King County Council leaders urge action on newly authorized sales tax to avert cuts to services and public safety

King County Council Chair Girmay Zahilay and Budget Chair Rod Dembowski called on Executive Shannon Braddock to propose a new 0. 1% sales tax in response to a projected $160 million deficit. They warned that without this revenue, the county would have to implement severe cuts to law enforcement, public defense, and other essential services. Zahilay stressed the responsibility to ensure community safety, highlighting the potential impact of service reductions. Dembowski characterized the tax as a reasonable solution, costing merely ten cents on a $100 purchase, which could avert significant cuts.

The proposed sales tax revenue would be allocated specifically for maintaining staffing levels of key public safety personnel and supporting victims' advocacy services. Both leaders believe that the County Council would back the ordinance if brought forward. The urgency of the proposal arises from two decades of restrictions on the primary revenue source, property tax, which has led to financial strain. The council members credited the state legislature and Governor Bob Ferguson for providing the necessary funding tools.