The Shelton City Council meeting on December 17, 2024, focused on a proposed tax increase aimed at addressing homelessness and housing shortages in the community. Council members engaged in a heated debate over the necessity and implications of the tax, which would raise the sales tax rate from 8.9% to 9%.

Proponents of the tax argued that it is essential for funding initiatives to combat homelessness and improve housing availability. They emphasized that the additional revenue could help support local nonprofits and provide immediate assistance to those in need, particularly during the winter months when exposure to cold can be life-threatening. One council member highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating, "If we delay this... people will die of exposure if we delay this."

Supporters also pointed out that the tax increase would still keep Shelton's rates lower than neighboring Tumwater, which has a sales tax rate of 9.7%. They argued that failing to act would cede control over local funding to the county, potentially resulting in less money being spent within the city.

Conversely, several council members expressed concerns about the tax's impact on community trust and the potential burden on residents. They noted that many individuals who spoke in favor of the tax were affiliated with nonprofits, suggesting a conflict of interest. Critics argued that the community had not been given sufficient time to respond to the proposal, with one member stating, "We need a little more time for the community to be able to be responsive for this."

Additionally, some council members questioned the effectiveness of raising taxes, citing past state spending on homelessness without significant improvements. They advocated for exploring alternative solutions, such as leveraging existing resources and focusing on job creation to address the root causes of housing instability.

The meeting concluded with a call for further discussion and consideration of the tax proposal, highlighting the ongoing struggle to find a balanced approach to Shelton's housing crisis. The council is expected to revisit the issue in the coming weeks, as they weigh the urgency of immediate action against the need for broader community input.