The King County Council approved another sales tax increase Tuesday without seeking voter approval, even as the department responsible for administering the new revenue faces scrutiny over nearly $700,000 in questionable expenditures and potential fraud.
The council voted 6–3 on October 6 to approve Ordinance 2026-0086.2, imposing an additional 0.01 percent sales tax countywide beginning January 1, 2027.
The increase, equivalent to one penny for every $100 in taxable purchases, is projected to generate approximately $10.3 million in 2027 for emergency shelters, rental assistance, and services for children and families…