SPOKANE COUNTY, Wash. – Spokane County Commissioners voted to maintain the current property tax levy rate for 2026, choosing not to add the 1% increase allowed annually under Washington state law.
In an announcement about the decision, the County said it prioritized “fiscal responsibility and community affordability” despite financial pressure from its projected $20 million budget gap for the next fiscal year.
“After careful consideration of our budget outlook and the economic pressures facing Spokane County families, we have decided to forgo the 1% property tax increase for 2026,” Board Chair Mary Kuney said. “We are committed to balancing the budget without placing additional burden on taxpayers.”
The County directed elected officials and department heads to identify 7 percent expense reductions and to remove empty positions starting in June in an attempt to close the budget gap.
The County said its commissioners observed that the 2026 budget might result in a property tax decrease rather than an increase.
The Board of Commissioners is expected to finalize its 2026 budget on December 1 after several public budget roundtables.
