Snohomish Co. tax hike would battle heroin, homelessness

The Snohomish County Council is set to meet next week to discuss the new proposed criminal justice sales tax to battle problems related to heroin addiction and homelessness.

The county-wide tax would add more deputies and fund their training to better deal with addicts.

A Snohomish County sheriff's lieutenant told KIRO 7 the local heroin epidemic is responsible for a spike in property crimes.

"They really only need to come up with $25 worth of property today and tomorrow, they will go out and get $25 to $50 dollars’ worth and get their drugs because it's so cheap,” said Lt. Robert Palmer.

The proposal for a 0.2 percent sales tax increase would appear on the Aug. 2 ballot if the county decides to go forward.  A hearing on the matter is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Monday.

If approved, the tax would go into effect in January 2017 and would add 2 cents to every $10 purchase, an estimated household cost of about $95 extra a year.

A heroin epidemic town hall is being held at Mariner High School in Everett Friday at 7 p.m.

Cox Media Group