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Get those pens out, it’s vote-by-mail time.
Most of Spokane County voters have already received their ballots for the Aug. 18 election. And if you don’t have a school board or City Council race to whittle down to a pair of candidates – and most don’t outside of the city of Spokane – then there’s only one question to be answered: whether or not to support Proposition 1.
Prop. 1 asks for a renewal of the criminal justice and public safety sales and use tax, which is one-tenth of 1 percent and raises around $7 million each year since it was first passed five years ago.
The tax money has been a sort of catch-all to help fund criminal justice and public safety programs, along with the personnel that run them. Without it, several mandated program could not continue and jobs would be lost, according to county commissioners.
“The current economy makes renewal of (the tax) even more critical than it was when it was first approved in 2004,” board Chairman Todd Mielke said. “The money helps support many criminal justice services, including the sheriff’s office, juvenile services and the courts. Given the looming 2010 budget deficits that local jurisdictions are facing, if the tax is not renewed there is concern that some departments won’t be able to provide services that are required by state law.”
Under the provisions of the tax, 60 percent of the amount goes to the county while the remaining 40 percent is distributed amongst the county’s cities and towns. Spokane Valley receives about $750,000 each year, City Manager David Mercier said Tuesday night, and “all proceeds go toward our law-enforcement contract.”
At the county level, 38 jobs are funded by the tax and $600,000 goes into Geiger Corrections budget. It also pays for inmate medical and dental care – as required by state law – and for other staffing costs in the criminal justice system.
On Tuesday, the city of Spokane Valley considered a vote to the passage of the tax measure, but decided not to due to the fact the agenda item was not advertised beforehand. Supporters and opponents will be invited to speak on the issue at the Aug. 11 City Council meeting at 6 p.m. at Spokane Valley City Hall, 11707 E. Sprague.
John Roskelley, former county commissioner, voted against putting the issue on the ballot in 2004 saying there were no specifics for where the money should be spent and that it was essentially a “blank check.” He continues his opposition to this day.
If approved, the tax will continue until March 31, 2020.
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By
Mike Huffman
