HB 2625 provides new sales tax option for parks.

The bill is sponsored by Rep. Carolyn Eslick (R–Sultan) and establishes an additional funding tool to help local parks and recreation agencies address maintenance backlogs, preserve quality open spaces, and expand and improve athletic fields to accommodate population growth.

HB 2625 authorizes a city, county, or parks and recreation district to submit a proposition to voters to impose a one-tenth of one percent sales and use tax to raise revenue for their local parks and recreation facilities. The tax revenue must be used to acquire, construct, improve, provide, and fund park maintenance and improvement. The tax cannot extend past ten years unless otherwise approved by voters. AWC supports this proposal.

Dates to remember

This bill is scheduled for a public hearing in the House Local Government Committee at 8 am on January 22.