EVERETT — A proposal to raise sales tax to pay for replacing outdated emergency radios used by first responders throughout Snohomish County is headed for a discussion and possible vote at the County Council meeting June 20.
The radios and other communications equipment are necessary for police, firefighters and other emergency personnel to respond to 911 calls, officials say.
The hearing is set for 10:30 a.m. in council chambers, on the eighth floor of the county’s admin east building at 3000 Rockefeller Ave., Everett.
If the measure moves ahead, voters in all parts of the county would be asked Nov. 6 to approve a 0.1 percent tax increase. That’s equivalent to an extra 10 cents on a $100 purchase.
The tax would take effect in April, raising an estimated $16.7 million per year in 2020 and beyond. The tax would support ongoing maintenance and operations for the communications network, as well as future replacement costs.
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