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Colfax Today
By the People, for the People
Whitman County Commissioners Approve 0.10% Sales Tax Hike for Criminal Justice Funding
The 2-1 vote will raise the county's sales tax rate to 8% to address a $2 million budget shortfall.
Mar. 31, 2026 at 1:43am
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The Whitman County Commissioners' vote to raise sales taxes for criminal justice funding reflects the delicate balance between public input and elected officials' duty to govern.Colfax TodayThe Whitman County Commissioners voted 2-1 to raise the local sales tax rate by 0.10% to help fund the county's criminal justice system, including the sheriff's department, courts, and prosecutor's office. The new revenue, estimated at $1 million annually, will allow the county to maintain current service levels amid recent staff cuts. The decision came after a debate over whether to put the tax hike to an advisory public vote first.
Why it matters
Whitman County is facing a significant budget shortfall, and the commissioners believe this sales tax increase is critical to keeping the county safe and maintaining essential criminal justice services. However, there was disagreement over whether the public should have a direct say on the tax hike through an advisory vote.
The details
The sales tax increase was enabled by a new state law allowing counties to raise taxes by 0.10% to fund criminal justice operations. Longtime Sheriff Brett Myers and Prosecutor Denis Tracy advocated for the hike, stating it would prevent further staff cuts. Commissioner Art Swannack wanted to put the issue to an advisory public vote first, but Commissioners Chad Whetzel and Tom Handy argued the elected officials should make the decision.
- The Whitman County Commissioners voted on the sales tax increase on Monday, March 30, 2026.
- The new 0.10% sales tax rate will go into effect immediately.
The players
Brett Myers
The longtime sheriff of Whitman County who supported the sales tax increase to maintain staffing levels.
Denis Tracy
The Whitman County prosecutor who also advocated for the tax hike to fund his office's operations.
Art Swannack
The chairman of the Whitman County Commissioners who voted against the sales tax increase, arguing it should be put to an advisory public vote first.
Chad Whetzel
A Whitman County Commissioner who voted in favor of the sales tax increase, arguing it was the commissioners' duty to make the decision.
Tom Handy
A Whitman County Commissioner who voted in favor of the sales tax increase, opposing a delay in the decision.
What they’re saying
“I don't like tax increases, but I believe this move is critical to help keep the county safe.”
— Brett Myers, Whitman County Sheriff
“Tax decisions are what we are elected to do.”
— Chad Whetzel, Whitman County Commissioner
What’s next
The new 0.10% sales tax rate will go into effect immediately, generating an estimated $1 million in additional annual revenue for Whitman County's criminal justice system.
The takeaway
This decision highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing public input and elected officials' responsibilities when it comes to raising taxes, even for essential services like public safety. The commissioners' vote reflects the difficult tradeoffs they face in addressing budget shortfalls while maintaining community trust.
