ELECTION 2016: RESULTS • STORIES • DATA DASHBOARD
LYNNWOOD — A proposed sales tax increase to support Lynnwood road projects appeared to be passing in early election results Tuesday night.
Of the ballots counted so far, 57.1 percent were cast in favor of the measure, while 42.9 percent of voters were against it.
If approved, Proposition 1 would add one-tenth of one percent — or a penny for every $10 — to sales tax within city limits. The current sales tax rate in Lynnwood is 9.8 percent. The measure needs 50 percent of ballots cast to pass.
The tax would generate an estimated $2 million a year for 10 years.
Proponents of the increase say Lynnwood does not have enough money to keep up basic road maintenance and that the measure would tax those who shop and visit the city instead of just property owners. They also say the revenue is necessary to keep up with expected population growth. Opponents, including former Councilman Ted Hikel, say the measure follows irresponsible spending by the city. He calls it “tax to the max.”
The measure is being floated by the Lynnwood Transportation Benefit District, which is an independent body made up of city councilmembers. A similar measure that sought a larger increase failed to pass in 2014.
Rikki King: 425-339-3449; rking@heraldnet.com. Twitter: @rikkiking.
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