Compiled by Barry MacHale
Action Taken at September 15, 2026 Meetings
At the morning Finance and Administration Committee meeting,votes 223 – 237 were passed. At the evening meeting, vote 238 – 245 were passed.
Shall the council:
223. Fill a vacancy on the Planning Commission, District 3 or 4? The commission’s purpose is to assist the Planning and Development Services Department with carrying out its duties. There was one applicant: Ramon Llanos, a licensed professional engineer employed by Land Development Engineering & Surveying Inc., located in Ferndale. He has a master’s degree in civil engineering. Ramon Llanos lives in District 4. (AB2026-584) Appointed 7-0
224. Authorize the executive to accept a $171,125 state grant to support mental health court? Grant funding is from the state Administrative Office of the Courts. At the 9/9/2025 meeting, vote #203, the council approved a $194,198 grant for mental health court. This grant will support one probation officer, training expenses, recovery supports, and urinalysis testing expenses. It expires on 6/30/2027. (AB2026-628) Authorized 7-0
225. Authorize the executive to accept a $128,220 state grant for the registered sex offender address and residency verification program? This Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs grant is $2,200 below last year. The Registered Sex Offender Address Verification Program requires all sex/kidnapping offenders to register their addresses with a statewide database. This grant will fund personnel costs associated with verifying the address and residency of all registered sex offenders and kidnapping offenders. The Whatcom County Sheriff ’s Office will perform the verification activities. The grant expires on 6/30/2027. (AB2026-629) Authorized 7-0
226. Confirm two of the executive’s appointments to the Whatcom County Marine Resource Committee? The committee’s purpose is to address local marine issues and recommend remedial action to local authorities. There were two applications to fill vacancies on the committee; both were confirmed. Applicant Julie Eastland is employed as a business director at WSU Health, an academic health system affiliated with Washington State University. Applicant Audrey Taylor holds a Ph.D. in biological sciences with a focus on wildlife conservation from the University of Alaska Fairbanks; a BS cum laude in natural resources/wildlife biology from Cornell University and a an MS in wildlife biology from Colorado State University. (AB2026-634/638) Confirmed 7-0
227. Authorize the executive to accept grants to fund an update of the Hazard Mitigation Plan? The federal grant amount is $76,125, the state amount is $12,688, a SubMC amount is $5,066 and a county match is $12,688 for a total of $106,566. FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program provides grants for mitigation planning and cost-effective mitigation actions after a presidential disaster declaration to reduce the risk of loss of life and property damage in future disasters. The grant will be utilized to update Whatcom County’s Hazard Mitigation Plan. The grant expires on 6/29/2029. (AB2026-639) Authorized 7-0
228. Authorize the executive to sign a joint-funding agreement with the United States Geological Survey for streamflow monitoring and water quality data collection at 10 watershed stream gages? (Council acting as the flood control district board of supervisors.) This agreement provides for continued water quality (discharge) and water quality (temperature) data collection, real-time data access and publication of surface water data in the Nooksack River watershed. The federal government will contribute $42,500; the county’s share will be $143,910. The total agreement amount is $186,410 and it expires on 9/30/2027. (AB2026-643) Authorized 7-0
229. Authorize the executive to sign a $96,322 contract (amendment #1) with San Juan Cruises to provide temporary passenger-only ferry service to and from Lummi Island during the annual dry dock and other emergencies? At the 7/22/2025 meeting, vote #175, the council approved the original $118,810 contract. This amendment will add funding to reflect an increase in daily rates during the 23-day dry dock of the Lummi Island ferry. The total amended contract is $215,132; it expires on 7/31/2027. (AB2026-653) Authorized 7-0
230. Authorize the executive to sign two contracts totaling $156,448 with the state of Washington for reimbursement of language access and interpreter program? The state Administrative Office of the Courts will reimburse Whatcom County District Court for an eligible interpreter expenses up to $114,739; for deaf and hard of hearing individuals up to $41,709. Both expire on 6/30/2027. (AB2026-654/660) Authorized 7-0
231. Authorize the executive to sign a joint-funding agreement with the United States Geological Survey for the ongoing operation and maintenance of the county’s 11 stream gauges? (Council acting as the flood control district board of supervisors.) The program includes six early warning gauges on the Nooksack River within the Nooksack River, Jones Creek, and the Sumas River for early flood warning and flood response. The federal government will contribute $28,000 and the county’s share will be $159,915 for a grand total of $187,915. The City of Abbotsford will be reimbursed $4,340 in county funds for the overflow station on Everson’s Main Street. The agreement expires on 9/30/2026. (AB2026-658) Authorized 7-0
232. Authorize the executive to accept a $346,561 consolidated contract (amendment #17) for various public health services? The executive signed the original contract on 1/17/2025. The funding source of this contract is the federal government. This amendment increases funding and revises the scope of work for programs addressing infectious diseases, maternal and refugee health, overdose prevention, and public health preparedness. Total federal funding is $2,646,034 and state funding is $12,556,708 for an amended amount of $15,202,742. The contract expires on 12/31/2027. (AB2026-666) Authorized 7-0
233. Authorize the executive to sign a five-year estimated agreement for $391,825 with the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department to provide an online food worker card program? This agreement outlines terms and responsibilities for administering an online food worker card training, testing and card issuance program. (In 2025, Whatcom County received $78,365 in revenue from this program). It expires on 12/31/2031. (AB2026-670) Authorized 7-0
234. Authorize the executive to accept a $398,095 state grant for staffing costs for the Nurse Family Partnership Program? The purpose of the state Department of Children, Youth, and Family grant is to: ensure healthy birth weights; support children and youth in developing healthy relationships with parents/caregivers; and to support the ability of parents/caregivers to meet the needs of children/youth. The program provides home visits, education, and outreach for at-risk and first-time mothers. The total amended grant is $796,191; it expires on 6/30/2027. (AB2026-672) Authorized 7-0
235. Authorize the executive to sign a two-year $850,000 contract with GPS Group Peer Support of Northampton, Mass., to support vulnerable parents from pregnancy through early parenting? Over the two-year contract period, up to 10 community partner organizations will receive training for an estimated 20-50 facilitators, including staff and community members, to provide facilitated support groups utilizing the GPS model to reach an estimated 1,000 to 2,000 participants. Services include: consulting, training, and technical assistance for up to 10 community partner organizations working on the implementation of an evidence-based peer-support group model in Whatcom County. The contract expires on 9/15/2028. (AB2026-675) Authorized 7-0
236. Adopt a salary schedule and policies (amendment #1) for unrepresented Whatcom County employees? This vote is amending Resolution 2025-044, passed at the 12/9/2025 meeting, vote #328. The council approved a two-year salary schedule and policies for Whatcom County employees not represented by a union. This amendment will transition from a two .06 health officer model to a one .08 health officer and leave tracking for court commissioners and reporters from 1/1/2026 through 12/31/2027. AB2026-662 (Resolution 2026-037) Approved 7-0
237. Sell tax title property, Mounces first addition, by public auction? (Public hearing held.) State law permits counties to sell real estate acquired by foreclosure. For this Yew Avenue property in Blaine, the management committee recommended that it is in the best interest of the county to sell the property for the price of $1,836, including all taxes, interests, and penalties. AB2026-557 (Resolution 2026-038) Approved 7-0
238. Modify the six-year (2026–2031) transportation improvement program? (Public hearing held.) At the 10/21/2025 meeting, vote #253, the council adopted the 2025–2030 program. This modification will reflect the award of a $300,000 federal transportation grant to be used for the Everson-Goshen Road and East Smith Road intersection (roundabout) improvement project, listed as #R22 on the program. AB2026-602 (Resolution 2026-039) Approved 7-0
239. Modify the 2026 annual road program? (Public hearing held.) At the 10/21/2025 meeting, vote #254, the council adopted the 2025 program. This modification will reflect the award of a $300,000 federal transportation grant to be used for the Everson-Goshen Road and East Smith Road intersection (roundabout) improvement project. AB2026-603 (Resolution 2026-040) Approved 7-0
240. Adopt a joint resolution with the City of Bellingham endorsing the Lake Whatcom Watershed Forest Management Plan? The city and the county both own large tracts of land in the Lake Whatcom watershed, including 8,800 acres of forest trust lands and approximately 3,000 acres purchased under the property acquisition program. The purpose of the plan is to create a document that serves as a long-range tool for the coordinated management of city- and county-owned forestland. The plan will improve forest and watershed health, climate and wildfire resiliency, water quality and overall ecology. AB2026-556 (Resolution 2026-041) Approved 5-2, Ben Elenbaas and Mark Stremler opposed.
241. Revise the docket of Comprehensive Plan and development regulation amendments? At the 3/10/2026 meeting, vote #69, the council passed the Comprehensive Plan and development regulation. This amendment will add #PLN2026-00011 entitled “Review proposed City and County UGA Reserves and/or UGA Reserve study areas or overlays.” AB2026-652 (Resolution 2026-042) Approved 7-0
242. Close the 23-Hour Crisis Relief Center Fund? Significant planning, development and implementation have been completed. Financing for the planned facility will be moved to the Public Health, Safety, and Justice Facility Fund (see next vote). The current cash balance is approximately $1,961,013. The Behavioral Health fund will receive $1 million and the Opioid Settlement fund will receive $961,013. AB2026-617 (Ordinance 2026-047) Adopted 7-0
243. Amend in the amount of $22,500,000 the project budget (request #12) for the New Public Health, Safety and Justice Facility (jail) Fund? At the 1/29/2013 meeting, vote #22, the council established the original $406,470 fund. In November 2023, Whatcom County voters passed a new Public Health, Safety and Justice sales tax of an additional two-tenths of one percent, which began collection in April of 2024. The Behavioral Care Center will require additional funding and a transfer will be made to consolidate the 23-Hour Crisis Relief Center project fund into this project. The total project budget is $45,858,524. AB2026-618 (Ordinance 2026-048) Adopted 7-0
244. Amend the 2026 budget (request #12) in the amount of $2,094,013? Appropriated: $133,000 for the general fund; $1 million for the Behavior Health fund; $961,013 for the Opioid Supplement fund. AB2026-619 (Ordinance 2026-049) Adopted 7-0
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Action Taken at September 29, 2026 Meetings
At the morning Finance and Administration Committee meeting, votes 245 — 248, 253 were passed. At the evening meeting, votes 249 — 252 were passed.
Shall the council:
245. Fill a vacancy on the Solid Waste Advisory Committee? The committee provides public input and advice to Whatcom County on solid waste management issues. Kelli Lawson was the only applicant. Lawson is the Republic Services site supervisor for the Ferndale Transfer Station and was appointed to the position of solid waste disposal facility representative. (AB2026-631) Authorized 6-0, Ben Elenbaas absent.
246. Fill a vacancy on the Incarceration Prevention and Reduction Task Force? The task force’s purpose is to review Whatcom County’s criminal justice and behavioral health programs and make recommendations for reducing the use of incarceration for individuals with mental illness and/or chemical dependency. Jan Dietzgen was the only applicant and was appointed to the position of family member of a consumer of behavioral health services. (AB2026-632) Authorized 6-0, Ben Elenbaas absent.
247. Authorize the executive to sign an $81,000 contract (amendment #5) with Pacific Security (Parker Corporate Services) of Bellingham to provide courthouse security screening services? At the 2/25/2025 meeting, vote #38, the council approved the original contract for $222,416; and it was last amended at the 4/28/2026 meeting, vote #99. The purpose of this amendment is to extend the contract. The total amended amount is $558,416; the contract expires on 10/31/2026. (AB2026-685) Authorized 6-0, Ben Elenbaas absent.
248. Authorize the executive to sign a $112,128 contract with Dr. Emily Welch for the Whatcom County EMS medical program director? The director’s responsibilities are outlined in state statutes. At the November 2024 general election, Whatcom County voters approved an EMS levy, which includes in the budget a medical program administrator. Dr. Welch was initially pointed to that position at the 12/3/2024 meeting, vote #359. This contract expires 6/30/2027. (AB2026-688) Authorized 6-0, Ben Elenbaas absent.
249. Approve the six-year (2027-2032) transportation improvement program? (Public hearing held.) The council approved the 2026-2031 program at the 10/21/2025 meeting, vote #253. State law requires counties to annually update their transportation plans. The plan establishes a list of needed capital improvements and eligibility for state and federal funds and sets the rate for impact fees. Updates also include the 14-year capital ferry improvement plan. AB2026-649 (Resolution 2026-043) Approved 6-0, Ben Elenbaas absent.
250. Adopt the 2027 annual road program? (Public hearing held.) The road construction program (also called the annual construction program) is identical to the first year of the six-year transportation improvement plan, which was approved at the previous vote. The program consists of three components: construction program, maintenance plan, road equipment purchases and major repairs. Source of funds: $3,150,00 in county funds, $28,686,000 in other funds for an estimated grand total of $31,836,000 for 49 projects. At the 10/21/2025 meeting, vote #254, the council adopted the 2026 program. AB2026-651 (Resolution 2026-044) Approved 6-0, Ben Elenbaas absent.
251. Appoint the clerk of the council as Whatcom County’s agent to receive tort liability claims? State law requires the appointment of an agent and an address through which claims against Whatcom County can be served with documentation of civil legal process. AB2026-683 (Resolution 2026-045) Approved 6-0, Ben Elenbaas absent.
252. Authorize the executive to proceed with the acquisition of two agricultural conservation easements? County conservation easement program staff have recommended the approval of the following applications: The Jensen Family Farm (136 acres: 11 development rights: total cost $1,500,000) and Cloud Mountain Farm (18.5 acres: two development rights: total cost $150,000). AB2026-689 (Resolution 2026-046) Approved 6-0, Ben Elenbaas absent.
253. Amend the 2026 budget (request #13) in the amount of $701,921? Expenditures: $169,731 for Operation Stonegarden overtime; $60,000 for voter education and the purchase of two ballot drop boxes; $200,000 for purchasing tiny home ($5,000 per shelter) with the City of Bellingham; $174,000 for temporary passenger service to/from Lummi Island. There are five additional expenditures under $50,000 totaling $98,190. AB2026-663 (Ordinance 2026-050) Approved 6-0, Ben Elenbaas absent.
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Whatcom County Council
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