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Spokane Valley Residents Approve Sales Tax Increase to Fund Police Department

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Spokane Valley residents have approved a measure to boost sales taxes to bolster its police force, with 59% of voters supporting the 0.1% tax increase. The new tax will raise at least $2.6 million in 2026 and fund at least 10 more officers over the next two years. The city estimates the average yearly cost of the tax increase will be $12.43 per shopper and $28.48 per household.

Key Takeaways:

  • The approved sales tax increase of 0.1% will raise at least $2.6 million in 2026 and fund at least 10 more officers over the next two years.
  • The average yearly cost of the tax increase will be $12.43 per shopper and $28.48 per household.
  • The new revenue will be used to address response time to calls, increase presence in local schools, and allow for more property and drug crime investigations.
  • The city has been facing growing calls for service, and the additional officers will enable the police department to address these needs.
  • The city has been fiscally conservative, with a tight budget due to stagnant sales and property tax proceeds and rising expenses.
  • The Measure 1 approved by Spokane Valley residents will increase the total sales tax to 9% in Spokane Valley.
  • Around 48% of sales tax is paid by people visiting the city, not residents.
  • Police services are the city's biggest recurring cost, totaling more than half of the city's 2025 general fund budget.
  • Deputy Mayor Tim Hattenburg stated that the vote is huge for the city, adding that it will fix many issues and prevent possible layoffs.
  • Spokane Valley Police Chief Dave Ellis said that the new revenue will allow for quicker response times and more presence in local schools.

Statistics:

  • The new sales tax increase of 0.1% will raise at least $2.6 million in 2026.
  • The average yearly cost of the tax increase will be $12.43 per shopper and $28.48 per household.
  • The new revenue will fund at least 10 more officers over the next two years.
  • Around 48% of sales tax is paid by people visiting the city, not residents.
  • Police services are the city's biggest recurring cost, totaling more than half of the city's 2025 general fund budget.

Sources:

  • © 2025 The Spokesman-Review (Spokane, Wash.). Visit www.spokesman.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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