City of SeaTac Proposition 1: public safety sales tax (+0.1%)

Official plain English statement

The City of SeaTac provides public safety and related services directly and through contracts with the Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority and King County Sheriff’s Office. These services support residents and thousands of people who travel to SeaTac daily to access local hotels, restaurants, businesses, employment opportunities, and the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, located entirely within the City. This influx produces a daily visitor population more than six times the City’s residential population. Serving residents and travelers results in a disproportionately high number of complex fire and emergency medical incidents and increases demands on public safety services. Inflation and hazardous workplace conditions have increased the cost of these services. City revenues have not kept pace, and additional resources are needed to continue providing critical fire, medical and public safety services. Proposition 1 would authorize a 0.1% sales and use tax on taxable retail sales and uses within SeaTac. The tax would apply to taxable purchases by residents and travelers. Only transactions taxable under Washington law would be taxed; most groceries are exempt. State law also exempts motor vehicle sales and the first 36 months of vehicle leases from this tax. Revenue from the tax would be shared 85% to the City and 15% to King County. At least one-third of the revenue would be used solely for fire protection purposes, criminal justice purposes, or both, as required by RCW 82.14.450. This tax would add $0.10 to a taxable $100 purchase. For questions about this measure, contact: Cindy Corsilles, City Attorney, (206) 973-4662, [email protected]