With new sales tax, Pierce County city now has 2nd highest tax rate in county
Upon narrowly passing a new 0.1% sales and use tax for public safety on Monday night, the city of Lakewood now is tied for the second-highest sales tax rate in Pierce County, behind Tacoma. The tax amounts to 10 cents for every $100 spent, with groceries, medicine and certain medical supplies and hygiene products exempt.
On Monday four Lakewood council members voted in favor — Mayor Paul Bocchi, Deputy Mayor Patti Belle, Ellen Talbo and Ryan Pearson. Three council members voted against — J. Trestin Lauricella, Philip Lindholm and Mike Brandstetter.
Effective July 1, Lakewood’s sales tax rate will be 10.3%, tied with the city of Ruston, which also passed a 0.1% sales tax for public safety on March 3, Puyallup and Pacific.
The sales tax passed by Lakewood on Monday is expected to generate about $14.9 million in revenue from 2026 to 2035. In Lakewood, the city must add about one full-time public-defense attorney each year until 2036 to comply with the new indigent misdemeanor caseload standards, as well as provide defense services for up to 1,740 cases, as previously reported by The News Tribune.
The new tax won’t be enough to offset the city’s annual contractual costs with Pacific Point Defense, which provides public defense services. But without it, the city would need to take those costs out of the general fund — which primarily funds police, parks and staff, as was discussed in prior council meetings.
On Monday an amendment to ask voters to approve the 0.1% sales tax (instead of the council) failed. Council members said they would have to look at other budget cuts and council priorities as they head into their retreat on April 18.
This July the sales tax rate of these Pierce County cities will be as follows:
- City of Tacoma- 10.5%
- Lakewood- 10.3%
- Ruston- 10.3%
- Puyallup- 10.3%
- Pacific- 10.3%
- University Place- 10.2%
- Steilacoom- 10.2%
- Edgewood- 10.2%
- Fife- 10.2%
- Fircrest- 10.2%
- Unincorporated Pierce County - ranges from 8.2% to 10.2%
- DuPont - 9.7%
- Sumner - 9.7%
- Bonney Lake - 9.6%
- Orting - 9.6%
- Gig Harbor - 9.2%
- Roy - 8.3%
- Buckley - 8.3%
