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.
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.
"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.
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.