The sales tax in Island County will be a little higher beginning in April.

In a 2-1 vote during a special meeting Monday, Island County commissioners adopted a one-tenth of 1% sales tax for criminal justice purposes. The tax is expected to raise nearly $2 million a year, but the county will only receive an estimated $1.4 million next year since the tax won’t start until a quarter of the way into the year.

The sales tax helps balance the county’s budget, which the commissioners also adopted in a 2-1 vote Monday.

Commissioner Janet St. Clair said the tax sets up a dedicated funding source for law and justice departments since revenues in the current expense funds have eroded over time. In addition, she said the state Supreme Court’s decision about public defense caseloads will mean dramat

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