On August 6, 2024, Snoqualmie voters will consider Proposition 1: Public Safety Sales Tax Levy that would increase the City of Snoqualmie sales and use tax by one-tenth of one percent (0.1%) to support City public safety services, including police, fire, and emergency medical services.
Ballot Initiative Pro and Con Committee Members Sought
As part of the ballot measure process, King County Elections requires cities to seek residents to be appointed to serve on either the pro or con committee for Proposition 1. After appointment, both committees work independently of the City to prepare written statements advocating either approval or rejection of the proposition to appear in the August 6 King County Voter’s Pamphlet. The written statements are due to King County Elections on May 14.
Public Safety Sales Tax Levy History
This winter, the Snoqualmie City Council approved the Public Safety Sales Tax Levy ballot measure as an option to help offset historic inflationary pressures on City police and fire department expenses. The Council preferred the sales tax levy measure in lieu of a property tax measure to ensure visitors, not just residents, financially support City public safety services.
The sales tax increase would generate approximately $1 for every $1,000 of non-exempt retail sales within Snoqualmie, including purchases by both visitors and residents. The Public Safety Levy is estimated to generate approximately $226,000 in 2025 for Snoqualmie public safety services.
If approved, the City’s total sales tax rate would be 9. 2%, which is currently lower than the majority of cities in King County. The increase would go into effect on January 1, 2025. The funds generated would be used solely for public safety to support current service levels including, but is not limited to, personnel and the related costs of hiring, training, equipping, and employing public safety professionals.
Residents interested in serving on the pro or con committees should complete the online application. The deadline to file an application is Sunday, April 21, 2024, at 5 p.m. More information about the responsibility of serving on a pro or con committee is available in the King County Elections Jurisdiction Manual.