SPOKANE COUNTY, Wash. — Spokane County commissioners held a public hearing Tuesday on a proposed sales tax increase that would generate revenue for criminal justice operations, sparking debate among residents about the necessity and effectiveness of the measure.
The proposed 0.1% sales tax increase would add 10 cents to every $100 purchase made by anyone in Spokane County, including in unincorporated areas. Under state law, the commissioners can impose this tax without voter approval as long as the revenue funds criminal justice expenses such as jails, courts and the sheriff’s office.
The tax would begin on New Year’s Day if approved…