What's Happening in Richland, WA…

A sales tax increase, the proceeds of which would fund the expansion of the Three Rivers Convention Center in Kennewick, was rejected by voters almost a year ago, but could now be on the agenda again.

During the vote in 2016, the sales tax increase was just 292 votes short of a majority. Voters were also against the tax in 2013. As the tax was defeated by a narrow margin last year, those in favor of it are calling for a third attempt.

According to Barbara Johnson, the chairwoman for the Kennewick Public Facilities District board, the board "felt like we were so close." After the more recent loss, the board put together a subcommittee to review the plan and to make recommendations about what to suggest to voters.

Boards that want better educate their voters about the issues at hand can use booklet printing to create documents that clearly explain the situation.

The Public Facilities District board may discuss the plan during its next meeting, scheduled for July 27. It might decide to hold a separate meeting to really go into the plan in greater depth.

Depending on how things go, the sales tax increase could be put on the ballot for the upcoming election on November 7 or held off of the ballot until either April or August of next year. The updated proposal would include adding 30,000 square feet to the Toyota Center, 50,000 square feet to the convention center, a 2,300 theater connecting the two buildings, and a new ice rink. The total cost is $35m.