The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

WAITSBURG—Waitsburg residents may, or may not, notice a slight increase in sales tax starting July 1. The Transportation Benefit District (TBD) has been in place for the last ten years. It funds transportation improvement projects, including sidewalks, road maintenance, and major reconstruction projects like the millrace grade crossing improvements completed in the previous year.

The city council approved a resolution on November 17, 2021, to put a ballot measure for the February 2022 special election asking voters to authorize a sales and use tax of 0.2% for necessary improvements.

The measure was on the February 8, 2022, special election ballot and was approved by the voters.

The TBD rules allow an increase, not exceeding 0.2% every ten years, and must be approved by voters in the district. The approved measure increased the local sales tax, including an additional 1/10 of 1%, bringing the total sales tax rate to 8.3% from 8.2%.