Public safety sales tax heads to Stanwood August ballot
EVERETT —Stanwood voters will see a public safety sales tax measure on their ballots for the August primary election.
If approved, a 0.1% tax would be added to all taxable purchases in the city, amounting to 10 cents for every $100 spent. The city expects the tax to generate $300,000 each year, starting in 2027, to keep pace with rising public safety costs, maintain current levels of service and consider expanding its police force, a release said.
The Stanwood City Council approved placing the public safety sales tax measure before voters during its regular meeting on April 23.
Since 2011, Stanwood’s contract with the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office has more than doubled and total public safety expenses — including police, dispatch, courts, prosecution, public defense and jail services — increased from $1.6 million to about $3.1 million.
https://www.heraldnet.com/2026/06/26/public-safety-sales-tax-heads-to-stanwood-august-ballot/