Renton is moving forward with an additional sales tax that local leaders say will help combat crime in the city.

At the Sept. 22 Renton City Council meeting, the council had the first reading of an ordinance to authorize an additional 0.1 percent sales tax for “criminal justice purposes.”

The councilmanic implication of the sales tax is allowed under House Bill 2015, which passed earlier this year. To implement the sales tax, Renton and the Renton Police Department had to meet the requirements to receive a grant from the Local Law Enforcement Grant Program.

Earlier this year, Renton Government Affairs Manager Eric Perry said the funds from the tax should be designated to activities that assist the criminal justice system, but that could include many services such as domestic violence services, court staffing, diversion programs, re-entry support, local preventative programs, juvenile placement programs, community outreach and crisis response.

“(Public safety) is the number one priority that we hear from in our community, via surveys and feedback,” Perry said.

Renton Police Department Public Information Officer Meeghan Black said the extra funds from the tax would allow the department to better specialize in key areas of law enforcement that are rapidly changing.

“One example is keeping up with advancements in technology for investigations, patrol and enforcement,” Black said. “The technology requires expertise, and these additional funds would enable RPD to staff and train dedicated personnel to specialize in the use of technology.”

The second and final reading of the ordinance will be at the next Renton City Council meeting on Oct. 6.