Battle Ground, WA. — The Battle Ground City Council has approved a 0.1% public safety sales tax, marking a major investment in staffing and long-term public safety services. The measure, passed unanimously during the council’s Nov. 17 meeting, will raise the city’s sales tax rate to 8.7% beginning April 1, 2026.
Under authority granted by Washington’s House Bill 2015, cities and counties may adopt a 0.1% public safety sales and use tax through a council vote. The decision follows a public hearing held on Nov. 3.
City officials estimate the new tax will generate roughly $667,000 over its first year. Revenue is restricted to public-safety purposes, with the city planning to add two police officers to the 28 sworn positions currently budgeted for 2025.
Mayor Troy McCoy said the council’s decision reflects clear community priorities. “Our community has been consistently clear about the importance of maintaining a respectable number of police officers in our city,” he said, adding that concerns about overtime and shift structure also helped guide the vote.
City leaders emphasized that a sales tax distributes costs among both residents and visitors. For every $100 in taxable purchases, consumers will pay an additional 10 cents. Essential goods such as groceries and prescription medications will not be affected.
The change aligns with results from a January 2025 community survey, which identified public safety as one of Battle Ground’s highest priorities. City officials said the additional revenue will strengthen service reliability as the city continues to grow.
The rate increase applies only to purchases made within Battle Ground city limits and takes effect April 1, 2026.
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