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King County Transportation District Approves New Sales Tax in Close Vote
The tax is projected to raise about $100 million in its first year, but it will still leave a large road-maintenance funding gap.
- On Friday, the King County Transportation District narrowly approved a 0.1% sales tax increase in a 5-4 vote, acting as the "Transportation Benefit District" to bypass voters and fund roads and transit projects.
- Facing a $200 million annual budget shortfall, the King County Roads and Services Division argued preventive maintenance on aging roads is essential to prevent deterioration; the tax is projected to generate roughly $100 million in its first year.
- Rod Dembowski criticized the measure as "regressive," stating the proposal "goes too far in one direction," while Councilman Eddie Lin argued Seattle would receive the lowest per capita funding, missing roughly $30 million over 10 years.
- To address distribution concerns, 12.5% of revenue will be provided to cities proportionally after a $10,000 minimum, though Commissioner Jorge Barón warned "carving out one jurisdiction sets a concerning precedent."
- Seattle's sales tax rate will rise to 10.65% in January, but could reach 10.8% if Mayor Katie Wilson's proposed 0.3% transportation tax is approved by voters later this year, taking effect Jan. 1, 2027.
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24 Articles
24 Articles
Covington-Maple Valley Reporter+11 Reposted by 11 other sources
King County Transportation District approves new sales tax in close vote
The 0.1% tax will fund the county’s Roads and Services Division and sends tens of thousands, if not millions, to local jurisdictions for transportation projects.
·Federal Way, United States
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King County approves sales tax increase for road repairs - The Daily Chronicle
A controversial sales tax increase will fund critical road repairs in unincorporated parts of King County, but will be paid for by residents across the county, including in Seattle. The sales tax measure narrowly passed by the council by a 5-4 margin. Voting in favor of Friday’s roads-fund tax increase were Councilmembers Rhodan Lewis, Teresa Mosqueda, Sarry Perry and Claudia Balducci. The opponents were Rod Dembowski, Reagan Dunn, Steffanie Fa…
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources24
Leaning Left0Leaning Right1Center13Last UpdatedBias Distribution93% Center
Bias Distribution
- 93% of the sources are Center
93% Center
C 93%
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