Ballot measures: Cities fear loss of booze taxes

The two state liquor initiatives on this November’s ballot, if passed, would shift control of the liquor industry from the state into the hands of the private sector.

Whitman county government and cities within the county both receive funds from the taxes and profits of liquor sales.

Five locations in the county sell liquor; the state-run liquor store in Pullman, and four stores in Colfax, Rosalia, Tekoa, and St. John owned by small-business owners.

The city of Colfax in the 2009 received $34,184 revenue off liquor sales. Of those funds, $14,866 came from state excise tax and $19,318 came from...