Everett shoppers could eventually pay a dime more on every $100 purchase under a criminal justice sales tax the Snohomish County Council may begin considering today.

Ordinance 26-030 would impose an additional 0.1% sales and use tax countywide, pushing Everett's combined rate from 9.9% (per the state Department of Revenue's Q1 2026 table) to an even 10%. The tax does not require voter approval under state law, though residents could force a referendum.

The five-member council will take up the ordinance in a Committee of the Whole discussion, a working format where all members review the measure together, at its 6 p.m. Administrative Session on June 30.

The proposed next step: move the measure to the General Legislative Session on Wednesday, July 1, where the council would set a date for a public hearing.

Under state law (RCW 82.14.340), most Washington counties already levy this tax. Revenue would be shared, with 10% going directly to the county and the remaining 90% split between the county and all cities and towns on a per capita basis. Allowable uses include public defense, domestic violence programs, behavioral health services, diversion and reentry programs, co-response teams, and emergency management.

The council, chaired by Councilwoman Megan Dunn, approved a separate 2% countywide property tax increase in December 2025. The sales tax would be an additional levy.

No revenue estimate for the proposed tax has been made public. The full ordinance text was not available on the county's Legistar system as of Saturday, June 28.

How to weigh in: The June 30 session includes a public comment period. It meets at the Willis Tucker Park, Gary Weikel Room, 6705 Puget Park Drive, Snohomish, WA 98296, and remotely via Zoom (Meeting ID: 948-4685-0772). Written testimony can be emailed to [email protected] or mailed to 3000 Rockefeller Ave M/S 609, Everett, WA 98201. Emailing 24 hours before a hearing ensures copies reach councilmembers in advance.