Title
Approval of an Ordinance Increasing Sales and Use Tax by One Tenth of One Percent for a Period of Seven Years to be Used for the Purpose of Funding Arts, Science, Cultural and Heritage Programs
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve on second reading the Ordinance increasing the City’s sales and use tax by one-tenth of one percent for a period of seven years to be used for the purpose of funding arts, science, cultural and heritage programs.
Report
Issue:
Whether to adopt an Ordinance increasing the City’s sales and use tax by one-tenth of one percent consistent with the ballot proposition approved by the City’s voters at the April 26, 2022, special election.
Staff Contact:
Mark Barber, City Attorney, 360.753.8338
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar Item
Background and Analysis:
Background and analysis have not changed from first to second reading.
Olympia residents voted to approve an increase in the City’s sales and use tax by one-tenth of one percent for a period of seven years to be used for the purpose of funding arts, science, cultural and heritage programs as provided by RCW 82.14.525 at the April 26, 2022, special election, on a vote of 7,266 (for) and 5,244 (against). The election results were certified on May 6, 2022, by the Thurston County Auditor. The Council must now adopt an Ordinance increasing the City’s local sales and use tax.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The tax proposal was supported by community groups and associations.
Options:
1. Approve the ordinance increasing the City’s sales and use tax by one-tenth of one percent, consistent with the ballot proposition approved by voters and certified by the County Auditor.
2. Do not approve the ordinance to impose the tax approved by voters in the April 26, 2022, special election.
Financial Impact:
It is estimated that a sales tax of .01% will raise approximately $2.3 million per year.
Attachments:
Ordinance