Hearing on tax for housing

The Skagit County commissioners will hold a public hearing on adopting a sales and use tax for affordable housing and homeless services 3:30 p.m. Sept. 9. The 0.1% tax will $1 on a $1,000 purchase.

Mount Vernon became the first city in the county to approve this tax Aug. 25, giving them control over its revenue. Burlington and Sedro-Woolley are considering it so their governments can control the funding. If the county acts ahead of municipalities, the commissioners allocate the revenue. The commissioners plan to vote this fall.

Anacortes voters approved the tax in 2020.

La Conner’s council voted to approve the tax and gave the county authority to spend the locally collected funds.

The state Legislature passed House Bill 1590 allowing this sales tax increase last year.

The hearing will be virtual. Participate at: bit.ly/SkagitBoCCMtg or call 1-253-215-8782, Meeting ID: 871 8000 1980, Passcode: 143573.

Comments may be submitted online, by mail or in-person. Email: [email protected] or mail: 1800 Continental Place, Suite 100, Mount Vernon, WA 98273. Written comments are due by 4:30 p.m. Sept. 30.

Mount Vernon became the first city in the county to approve this tax Aug. 25, giving them control over its revenue. Burlington and Sedro-Woolley are considering it so their governments can control the funding. If the county acts ahead of municipalities, the commissioners allocate the revenue. The commissioners plan to vote this fall.

Read the ordinance text: skagitcounty.net/departments/countycommissioners/1590notice.htm