Sales Tax Proposal

 

It all starts with 911.

 

When you experience an emergency, RiverCom 911 answers. We coordinate emergency dispatch services for all law enforcement, fire, and EMS agencies in Chelan and Douglas counties—covering 4,741 square miles and serving about 130,000 residents.

 

The population we serve increases by up to 40% in summer and 30% in winter as visitors, tourists, and second-homeowners come to the region. That increase adds demand on 911 systems and staff.

 

Each year, RiverCom dispatches about 67,500 public-safety incidents—nearly a 15% increase since 2019—and manages the regional radio and data systems that first responders rely on. RiverCom also serves as a regional backup 911 center for Grant, Kittitas, and Okanogan counties when their systems go down.

 

 

How We’re Funded

RiverCom 911 is funded primarily through fees from local public-safety agencies and a voter-approved one-tenth of one percent sales tax (equal to one cent on a $10 purchase).

 

RiverCom 911:

• • Operates under a balanced budget
  • Has passed all financial audits
  • Seeks grants to reduce taxpayer costs
  • Holds Administrative Board meetings open to the public 

 

 

Challenges to Service

Even with careful financial management, the demands on 911 continue to grow. Since 2019, public-safety incidents have increased nearly 15%, reflecting both population growth and expanded regional development in Chelan and Douglas counties. In addition to serving local residents, RiverCom 911 supports thousands of visitors and second-homeowners who depend on emergency services when they shop, recreate, or travel through the area. 

 

The cost of emergency communications equipment has risen sharply. Technology that was once state-of-the-art is now outdated and costly to maintain. Upgrades are needed to ensure first responders have next-generation tools capable of supporting reliable communication during large-scale emergencies and mass-casualty incidents.

 

RiverCom currently operates from the third floor of the Wenatchee Police Department, which needs to reclaim the space for its own expanding operations. A 2019 facility study determined the location was “stressed beyond capacity” and inadequate for long-term needs. The limited space constrains training and hiring of new dispatchers, and restricts the agency’s ability to maintain operations during regional disasters.

 

These combined pressures—higher call volumes, aging technology, increased equipment costs, and insufficient space—highlight the need for a modern, secure, and scalable facility to support local 911 services for decades to come.

 

 

Proposed Solution

The RiverCom 911 Administrative Board has placed a measure on the February 10, 2026 special election ballot asking voters in Chelan and Douglas counties to consider a one-tenth of one percent (0.1%) sales-tax increase—equal to one cent on a $10 purchase.

 

A sales tax is a fair way to fund 911 services because it shares costs among residents, visitors, and second-homeowners—everyone who uses local goods and services.

 

 

If Approved, the Funding Would:

Add radio towers to improve coverage and reduce dead zones.
This would expand the regional radio network so that 911 calls and responder communications connect anywhere in Chelan and Douglas counties.

 

Upgrade radio equipment to improve communication between dispatchers and first responders.
New systems would allow dispatchers to coordinate directly with crews in the field, enhancing communication and operational safety.

 

Improve technology to strengthen cybersecurity and protect private information.
Upgrading IT systems with next-generation tools would help prevent cyber attacks, reduce service disruptions, and safeguard sensitive data.

 

Build or expand a facility with adequate space for the next 30 years of operations.
A larger, modern space would support training, staff growth, and surge capacity during major incidents, ensuring continuity of operations.

All funds from the proposed sales tax would be placed in a dedicated account restricted to emergency communications systems and facilities.

 

 

Questions Are Welcome

Residents with questions may contact Executive Director Doug Jones at 509-662-4662 or doug.jones@rivercom911.org.

 

Community Q&A sessions will be planned in January.

 

 

Other Information

• News Releases and Coverage
• Resolution 2025-1 To Approve a Request for a Joint-County Ballot Measure and Funding Agreement for the Purpose of the Collection of an Additional One-Tenth of One Percent Sales and Use Tax for Emergency Communications Systems and Facilities