That tax hike is on the August 6 primary ballot and would go toward paying for construction of a new $60-million jail to replace the current overcrowded jail in downtown Mount Vernon. Once the tax collections start, the city's share would be about $1-million per year, according to city Finance Director Steve Hoglund.
Hoglund said the sales tax increase would put the county sales tax at 8.5 percent, still below sales tax rates in Whatcom and Snohomish counties.
In comments at Monday night's Council meeting, Council member Cynthia Richardson said she thought the tax hike was reasonable. "I really don't like the idea of the sales tax going up, But, every time I pay $1,000 in the community, three dollars will go to the jail." She said the benefits are well worth it.
The jail committee has located two sites for the proposed new jail. Ons is the former location of Alf Christianson Seed Co. on south Kincaid Street and west of Interstate 5 in Mount Vernon, and three adjoining parcels in south Mount Vernon, including Truck City.