Public safety sales tax heads to Stanwood August ballot

Published 1:30 am Friday, June 26, 2026

EVERETT —Stanwood voters will see a public safety sales tax measure on their ballots for the August primary election.

If approved, a 0.1% tax would be added to all taxable purchases in the city, amounting to 10 cents for every $100 spent. The city expects the tax to generate $300,000 each year, starting in 2027, to keep pace with rising public safety costs, maintain current levels of service and consider expanding its police force, a release said.

The Stanwood City Council approved placing the public safety sales tax measure before voters during its regular meeting on April 23.

Since 2011, Stanwood’s contract with the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office has more than doubled and total public safety expenses — including police, dispatch, courts, prosecution, public defense and jail services — increased from $1.6 million to about $3.1 million.

Also, Stanwood’s population has grown from 6,220 residents to over 9,000 while the number of law enforcement officers has stayed at 10.

During the council meeting on April 23, Council member Darren Robb said he liked the idea of letting the voters decide.

“It truly is commendable that the city’s been able to keep up with these cost increases,” Robb said. “This is both us recognizing we can only tighten our belts so much to continue to absorb these cost increases within the city general fund budget. Plus, looking out toward the future.”

A sales tax was chosen over a property tax increase because it would spread the cost among residents, visitors and businesses, Council member Jeff Wheatley said during the meeting.

“We are in a great position but we don’t want to fall behind,” he said. “Hopefully, the voters see that we want to stay ahead of these things, and hopefully it won’t be too impactful to their everyday lives.”

Costs keep increasing for the city just like they do for everyone else, Wheatley said.

The measure would increase Stanwood’s sales tax from 9.3% to 9.4%.

Taylor Scott Richmond: 425-339-3046; taylor.richmond@heraldnet.com; X: @BTayOkay