Port Angeles: Tax mulled to fund mental health, substance abuse programs

PORT ANGELES — Clallam County commissioners today will see the first rays of what could be a new dawn for mental-health and substance-abuse treatment in the county.

At their work session starting at 9 a.m. in the Clallam County Courthouse, 223 E. Fourth St., they’ll discuss the one-tenth of 1 percent sales tax that will fund expanded programs for brain-disordered and chemically dependent people.

The tax is authorized by what has become known as the Hargrove Bill, after its author, state Sen. Jim Hargrove, D-Hoquiam, whose 24th District includes Clallam and Jefferson Counties.

Gov. Chris Gregoire signed the bill into law last May, and Jefferson County adopted the tax in October.

Clallam County commissioners said they’ll also adopt the tax — which needs no voter approval — but only if they can show citizens what the revenue will provide.

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