Spokane Valley residents on Tuesday agreed to boost sales taxes to boost its police force.

Spokane Valley Proposition 1 was approved by voters with 59% of voters backing the 0.1% tax for more law enforcement equipment and deputies. The city estimates the new tax will raise at least $2.6 million in 2026.

The increase will bring the total sales tax up to 9% in Spokane Valley. According to the city, around 48% of sales tax is paid by people visiting the city, not residents.

The average yearly cost will be $12.43 per shopper and $28.48 per household.

“This is the first time in Spokane Valley history that we’ve had a general sales tax increase,” Deputy Mayor Tim Hattenburg said on Tuesday night.

In recent years, Hattenburg says the city has been making cuts in it’s budget and several s

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