WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Whatcom County could join two of its cities in adding a new sales tax.

The county council held its first discussions on Tuesday, Feb. 24 on adding a one-tenth of one percent sales tax to fund criminal justice services. If approved, it would add a dime to a $100 purchase.

According to a council memo, the county expects the tax would raise roughly $7 million in annual revenue. It comes amid rising costs for many of the county’s criminal justice services, including jail contracts, the Sheriff’s Office lease and general labor costs.

The state Legislature created the option for eligible cities and counties to add the tax last year without needing approval from voters.

My Bellingham Now previously reported that the Bellingham and Lynden city councils have each approved the tax, which has already taken effect in both cities.

The council decided to continue the discussion at its next meeting on March 10, where it could move to approve the tax.

The Sheriff’s Office says that it’s on track to meet eligibility requirements and plans to apply by the end of March.