PORT ANGELES – Clallam County Commissioners are considering a sales tax increase to support arts programs in the area.

The state approved a bill allowing counties to implement a one-tenth of one percent sales tax increase to fund nonprofit arts organizations. A portion of the funds must be used to collaborate with arts programs in local schools.

In a work session on Monday, commissioners heard from proponents of the measure.

“Here in Washington state we have three programs under the cultural access approved by the legislature. The City of Tacoma passed one in 2018, the City of Olympia passed it in 2022, and most recently, King County created the first county program with unanimous support of King County Council after a very long and thorough public process, and they’re moving into implementation right now,” Inspire Washington’s Manny Calawal told Clallam County Commissioners on Monday.

The sales tax initiative would generate about $1.8 million annually in Clallam County. ArtsNW Executive Director Karan Hannan stated that the initiative could facilitate partnerships with the county to distribute the funds.

“But we know that when this is successful, the end result for the community on multiple levels is really substantial, and it’s beyond the economic front. It’s certainly good for community viability and community gathering and increases tourism,” said Hannan.

Commissioner Randy Johnson expressed support for the arts proposal but voiced concerns about implementing a tax measure at this time.

“It is very important from an economic standpoint. As you said, it’s a component of the tourism master plan. But I wear a hat that is worried about our financial situation in this county, which is not robust. Not only are we looking at multitudes of layoffs that are occurring, but many issues that we have related to county finances, and the timing is not exactly the greatest,” said Johnson.

Johnson added he is a regular patron of most of the arts facilities in the area and recognizes their importance.

Commissioners also expressed concerns about having a better definition of what the program would look like for specific areas and schools in the county.

Monday’s presentation was the commissioners’ first look at the proposal. They have not yet decided whether to pursue the tax measure, which can be approved by a vote of commissioners or put to voters to decide.