Wenatchee's attempt to increase the sales and use tax to pay for street repairs is expected to fail at the ballot box.

The initiative in the Aug. 5 primary election would have increased the city's sales tax by two-tenths of a percent. City officials hoped it would bring in an additional $2.3 million for upkeep on more than 240 miles of road.

Wenatchee Mayor Mike Poirer said he hoped the sales tax increase would negate the need to place a property tax increase on the November ballot, which would increase property taxes more than the cost Wenatchee residents would pay for a sales tax increase.

There are also worries the city may have to dip into its general fund to pay for street upkeep.

A near-final count from the Chelan County Auditor's Office shows the measure failing by 297 votes out

See Full Page