Title
Approval of a Resolution Providing for Submission to the Voters at the April 26, 2022, Special Election of a Ballot Proposition Authorizing a One-Tenth of One Percent Increase in Sales and Use Tax for the Purpose of Funding Arts, Science, Cultural, and Heritage Programs
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve a Resolution providing for submission to the Voters at the April 26, 2022, Special Election of a ballot proposition authorizing a one-tenth of one percent increase in sales and use tax pursuant to RCW 82.14.525 for a period of seven years to be used for the purpose of funding arts, science, cultural, and heritage programs.
Report
Issue:
Whether the City Council should submit a sales and use tax increase proposal to the City's voters at the special election on April 26, 2022, to raise revenue for arts, science, cultural, and heritage programs as permitted by state law.
Staff Contact:
Keith Stahley, CP&D Director, 360.753.8227
Mark Barber, City Attorney, 360.753.8338
Presenter:
None - Consent Calendar Item
Background and Analysis:
The Olympia City Council received a briefing about the requirements and benefits of a cultural access program as envisioned by the Legislature during a Council Study Session on August 8, 2021. Staff was directed to explore more fully how a cultural access program could work for Olympia and address community interests, needs, and priorities.
City staff worked in partnership with a nine-member Steering Committee that included local non-profit leaders, business owners, and educators. This group assisted in creating a larger and more representative leadership group of sixteen additional community members, who helped to spread the word, convene meetings, and facilitate small group discussions. Four community meetings were held, engaging over 80 people representing about 40 local organizations. Through targeted questions and discussions inpu...
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