Facing a projected $160 million budget shortfall, King County officials are preparing to take action this week that could have a direct impact on emergency response and public safety services across the region.
On Tuesday, the King County Council is expected to vote on a proposed 0.1% sales tax increase aimed at generating new revenue to sustain critical public safety operations. If passed, the additional tax would amount to 10 cents for every $100 spent — a modest-sounding figure that county leaders say could make a major difference, though critics argue the added cost could accumulate for consumers.
County officials have warned that without this funding, King County residents could experience slower emergency response times, postponed court cases, and reductions in behavioral health, violence prevention, and victim support programs.
“The projected $30.2 million cut will significantly harm our communities,” said King County Sheriff Patti Cole-Tindall. She emphasized that decades of underfunding have already pushed departments to their limits.
The proposed measure would help retain staffing for sheriff’s deputies, prosecutors, and public defenders. It would also provide much-needed support for gun violence prevention efforts, domestic violence response initiatives, and behavioral health services.
“We are simply unable to meet current demands with our existing resources,” said King County Prosecuting Attorney Leesa Manion, echoing concerns about the system’s growing strain.
The Sheriff’s Office further cautioned that without the new revenue, unincorporated areas such as Skyway, White Center, Fairwood, and Vashon Island could see a significant drop in law enforcement coverage — potentially cutting deputy presence by half.
Sheriff Cole-Tindall added, “We’ve been asked to do more with less for over 20 years — and we’ve done it. But we can’t keep doing it forever.”
Notably, the tax increase does not require voter approval. A simple majority from the County Council is enough to enact the change, which would make King County’s sales tax rate one of the highest in Washington state.
