WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Whatcom County residents have a chance to voice their opinion on a potential new tax on Tuesday.

The county council is holding a public hearing to discuss a one-tenth of one percent sales tax to fund criminal justice services.

If approved, it would add a dime to a $100 purchase and is expected to raise up to $7 million in annual revenue.

The council will consider three separate ordinances: one that would put the tax into effect on July 1, another that would do the same – while describing the specific services that it would fund – and one that seeks to place a nonbinding advisory proposition about the tax on the August primary election ballot.

The cities of Bellingham and Lynden along with Skagit County have already all approved the new tax, which was created by the state legislature last year and does not require approval from voters.

But Whatcom County council members introduced the possibility of letting voters have a say in the tax after a lengthy debate last month. Council members Ben Elenbaas and Mark Stremler both voiced their concern over adding another new tax, while council member Kaylee Galloway cited the county’s urgent need for public safety service funding.

Tuesday’s meeting takes place at 6 p.m. in the council chambers inside the county courthouse. Residents can participate remotely by clicking here.