Community Transit sales-tax measure too close to call

It was too close to call whether voters in much of Snohomish County approve of another 0.3 percent sales-tax hike to support Community Transit on election night.

Community Transit hasn’t lost a countywide ballot measure since it was established almost 40 years ago. Voters approved three previous 0.3 percent tax increases to pay for bus services in 2001, 1990 and 1976.

Initial election results show a slight majority of voters favor the measure aimed at generating about $25 million a year for the transit agency.

The Snohomish County Auditor’s Office released its first batch of ballot counts Tuesday evening. By about 8 p.m., about 16 percent of ballots had been counted.

CT’s tax hike had a slight edge, with 50.8 percent of votes cast in support of the measure, versus 49.1 percent against.

“It’s a nail biter,” said CT spokesman Martin Munguia. “But we’re definitely on the right side of that total.”

The county is expected to release updated election totals by 5 p.m. Wednesday. So far, ballot returns suggest a 33 to 35 percent voter turnout.

The 0.3 percent sales-tax increase for CT would add about 3 cents to a $10 purchase, starting in April 2016.

The money is intended to pay for improvements to existing service with extra buses and more trips, a second Swift rapid bus line, more commuter rides to downtown Seattle and University of Washington and new routes in Snohomish County.

CT’s taxing district includes most of the county’s urban areas, except Everett, which is served by Everett Transit. Much of the Highway 9 corridor is also excluded.

The agency already receives a 0.9 percent share of sales-tax revenue. The proposed increase would push its portion to 1.2 percent. Other than grants and fares, sales tax is CT’s sole source of money.

Opponents and supporters will be watching closely as ballots are counted in the coming days.

Mukilteo Mayor Jennifer Gregerson, who’s led the campaign in favor of the measure, said improving transit is important as the county grows. Bus service helps alleviate traffic congestion, she said.

Jeff Scherrer, who helped draft the opposing statement for voters pamphlets, said as the population swells, CT will receive more money from sales taxes without the increase. The Edmonds resident believes the agency needs to stretch its existing dollars and control expenses instead of asking everybody to pay more for their purchases.

CT wants to use about a third of the new revenue to pay for upgrades to existing routes with extra buses and expanded hours.

Another third of the money would support a second Swift rapid bus line built between Paine Field and the Canyon Park area of Bothell. It would be modeled on the one that runs along Highway 99.

The last chunk of revenue would pay for new bus routes, including commuter service to downtown Seattle and the University of Washington. Also added would be extra connections between the I-5 corridor and eastern Snohomish County.

Other proposed improvements include more service to job, housing and educational centers in Monroe, Stanwood and Arlington as well as new routes along Highway 9 between Marysville and south Everett.

Amy Nile: 425-339-3192; anile@heraldnet.com. Twitter: @AmyNileReports.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Customers enter and exit the Costco on Dec. 2, 2022, in Lake Stevens. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Costco stores could be impacted by looming truck driver strike threat

Truck drivers who deliver groceries and produce to Costco warehouses… Continue reading

Two Washington State ferries pass along the route between Mukilteo and Clinton as scuba divers swim near the shore Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in Mukilteo, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Ferry system increases ridership by a half million in 2024

Edmonds-Kingston route remains second-busiest route in the system.

A view of one of the potential locations of the new Aquasox stadium on Monday, Feb. 26, 2024 in Everett, Washington. The site sits between Hewitt Avenue, Broadway, Pacific Avenue and the railroad. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Initial prep work for AquaSox stadium to start, with $200k price tag

The temporary agreement allows some surveying and design work as the city negotiates contracts with designers and builders.

The Joann Fabric and Crafts store at 7601 Evergreen Way, Everett, is one of three stores in Snohomish County that will close as part of the retailer’s larger plan to shutter more than half of its stores nationwide. (Aaron Kennedy / The Herald)
Joann store closure plan includes Everett, Arlington, Lynnwood locations

The retail giant filed a motion in court to close approximately 500 stores in the U.S.

Lynnwood
Lynnwood police: 1 suspect in custody, 1 at large after attempted carjacking

Beverly Elementary School went into a precautionary lockdown Thursday afternoon. Numerous officers continue to search for the second suspect.

Robin Cain with 50 of her marathon medals hanging on a display board she made with her father on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Running a marathon is hard. She ran one in every state.

Robin Cain, of Lake Stevens, is one of only a few thousand people to ever achieve the feat.

People line up to grab food at the Everett Recovery Cafe on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Coffee, meals and compassion are free at the Everett Recovery Cafe

The free, membership-based day center offers free coffee and meals and more importantly, camaraderie and recovery support.

Devani Padron, left, Daisy Ramos perform during dance class at Mari's Place Monday afternoon in Everett on July 13, 2016. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Mari’s Place helps children build confidence and design a better future

The Everett-based nonprofit offers free and low-cost classes in art, music, theater and dance for children ages 5 to 14.

The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River on Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett water, sewer rates could jump 43% by 2028

The rate hikes would pay for improvements to the city’s sewer infrastructure.

The bond funded new track and field at Northshore Middle School on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024 in Bothell, Washington. (Courtesy of Northshore School District)
Northshore School District bond improvements underway

The $425 million bond is funding new track and field complexes, playgrounds and phase one of two school replacements.

Candidates announce campaigns for Everett city council seat

Ryan Crowther, founder of the Everett Music Initiative, will challenge incumbent Paula Rhyne for the District 2 seat.

Lynnwood City Council Vice President Julieta Crosby speaks during a Lynnwood City Council meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Lynnwood picks top eight candidates to replace former council VP

The City Council will make its final decision Feb. 20 after interview process.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.