ASOTIN COUNTY, WA – Voters in Asotin County have approved a 1/10th of 1% sales tax to fund emergency communications upgrades, according to unofficial results from the Tuesday election.

With 5,049 ballots counted, 3,029 voters, or 59.99%, supported the measure, while 2,020 voters, or 40.01%, opposed it. The measure requires no further action to go into effect beyond final certification of the results.

The additional sales tax will fund maintenance and upgrades for the county’s emergency communications system, which includes radio, telephone, and computer equipment used to coordinate responses between the public, 911 dispatch, and first responders. The Emergency Communications Advisory Committee, made up of the Sheriff, Police and Fire Chiefs, and the Emergency Management Director, recommended the 1/10th of 1% increase, which translates to 10 cents on every $100 purchase.

Asotin County voters cast ballots at a turnout of 33.71%. Twenty-six precincts reported, with 15,125 registered voters and 5,098 total ballots counted. An estimated 650 ballots remain to be counted, with the next update expected from election officials on November 6 at 5 p.m.