PORT ANGELES — Clallam County citizens can speak their minds Tuesday on a proposed sales tax to finance treatment of drug-addicted and brain-disordered people.
County commissioners will convene a public hearing on the issue at 10:30 a.m. in the Clallam County Courthouse, 223 E. Fourth St.
The new one-tenth of 1 percent tax would cost the average family about $20 a year, or $1 for every $1,000 spent on taxable purchases.
It would support proven prevention and treatment programs with $700,000 in revenue this year, if passed, and at least $900,000 annually thereafter.
Commissioners have received nearly 30 letters supporting the measure from politicians, police officials, social service activists and members of agencies that provide mental health and substance abuse services.
The tax does not need voters’ approval under legislation known as the Hargrove Bill, named after its sponsor, state Sen. Jim Hargrove, D-Hoquiam. His 24th District includes the North Olympic Peninsula.
Jefferson County commissioners adopted the tax almost immediately after the bill became law last year.