SEQUIM — The proposed sales tax increase for better roads and sidewalks within the city of Sequim was passing by nearly 15 percentage points on Tuesday night.
Proposition No. 1 — the two-tenths of 1 percent sales tax increase for transportation improvements over the next 10 years — had 911 yes votes and 679 no votes out of 1,590 ballots cast.
Voters last year rejected the same tax increase by 61 votes.
This time, it is leading 57.3 percent to 42.7 percent.
The extra tax revenue will be collected for 10 years beginning in July 2010 for sidewalk and street repairs.
The Sequim City Council voted last summer to put the sales tax increase on the ballot. The City Council already had established a transportation benefit district that mirrors the city limit.
Mayor Laura Dubois said the vote to institute the tax will help preserve the citizens’ infrastructure.
“We can’t let our streets fall apart,” she said.
The city estimates the two-cents-per-$10 sales tax will generate about $600,000 per year. The sales-tax increase will not affect groceries, rent, mortgages, utilities or prescriptions.
It will, however, be added to meals at restaurants and goods like clothing, appliances and tires.
Clallam County’s sales tax is 8.4 percent. If the election results hold, Sequim’s sales tax will increase to 8.6 percent.
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Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-417-3537 or at rob.ollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com.
