King County budget leaders favor asking voters to help keep services going

Budget leaders on the Metropolitan King County Council said Wednesday they favor taking action next year to raise taxes needed to avoid future cuts in services.

Any new taxes wouldn't come soon enough to keep the county from making $56 million in cuts in the 2010 general fund. The budget leadership team's four members discussed taxes at a news conference, where they announced a proposal that would continue funding counseling and legal services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.

It was not clear whether the council members ultimately will propose a sales tax for criminal-justice purposes, a property levy for human services or public health — or some other option. But, Councilmember Jane Hague said, "I think it's safe to say there will be a ballot measure."

"There's a positive feeling about that," said Councilmember Kathy Lambert.

An increase in property or sales taxes would require voter approval.

Budget Chairman Larry Gossett and Councilmember Julia Patterson advocated putting a tax increase before voters this year but were overruled by other members.

Hague and Lambert's support for a tax measure suggests the idea will get strong consideration next year.

Tax advocates will have to contend with County Executive-elect Dow Constantine's campaign promise that he wouldn't raise taxes during a severe recession.

"The executive's perspective on the ballot measure — its size and what it entails — will be an important part of the discussions. We need his support," Patterson said.

Budget leaders made their tax comments at a news conference held to announce that their proposed 2010 budget would continue the current $1.4 million appropriation to help victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.

Gossett said victims' pleas for continued counseling and legal support "were so overwhelming" that council members focused on those services. The full council will vote on the budget Monday, and Constantine is expected to sign it sometime after he is sworn in as executive Tuesday.

Funds for counseling and legal help will come from other areas being cut, including the planned closure of county-operated animal shelters. Other human services such as food banks, senior centers and youth and family programs still face cuts next year.

Lambert, asked about a possible tax measure for human services, said, "Wouldn't it be better if they also had a dedicated fund so there wouldn't be a fight every year for them to be preserved?"

One of the agencies that will receive continued support next year is the Renton-based King County Sexual Assault Resource Center.

"It's been a rough year," said Executive Director Mary Ellen Stone. "My heart is pounding because we don't get good news like this very often. This is wonderful."

Keith Ervin: 206-464-2105 or kervin@seattletimes.com