CLARKSTON, Wash. – Asotin County officials are considering a sales tax to fund an upgrade to the county’s outdated 30-year-old communication system.
The proposal was discussed at a town hall meeting in Clarkston hosted by Asotin County Commissioners.
The proposed tax, which would be about one-tenth of 1%, is expected to raise $500,000 annually.
The funding would be used to improve emergency communication, especially in areas with challenging terrain or remote locations.
“The cost to maintain our current infrastructure are growing to the point where our current funding model cannot expand our capabilities. And that’s what we want to be able to do,” Nick Bacon, the county’s emergency manager said.
Bacon added that the funds would help address dangerous gaps in communication coverage. The goal is to enhance coverage in areas that currently lack it.
During the town hall, Bacon noted there was little opposition to the proposal.
