Compiled by Barry MacHale
Action Taken at December 1, 2025 Special Meeting
Shall the council:
291. Certify Whatcom County’s 2026 property tax levies for taxing districts? The collection refers to the regular levy, excess levy, and refund levy. The taxing districts are: the cities of Bellingham, Blaine, Everson, Ferndale, Lynden, Nooksack, and Sumas; Cemetery Districts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11; Fire and EMS Districts 4, 11, and 16; Fire Districts 1, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21; Fire Districts EMS 11, 16, and 4; Fire SWFA; Point Roberts Hospital, Point Roberts Parks and Recreation #1; Blaine-Birch Bay Parks and Recreation; Lynden Parks and recreation: Port of Bellingham; Whatcom County Rural Library District; Affordable Housing Bellingham; Bellingham School District 501; Blaine School District 503; Ferndale School District 502; Lynden School District 504; Meridian School District 505; Nooksack School District 506; Mt. Baker School District 507; and Concrete School District 11. AB2025-781 (Resolution 2025-041) Approved 7-0
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Action Taken at December 2, 2025 Special Meeting
Shall the council:
292. Adopt the budget for the Whatcom County Flood Control Zone District and Subzones for 2026? (Council acting as the flood control district board of supervisors; public hearing held.) The subzones are: Acme/Van Zandt; Lynden/Everson; Sumas/Nooksack/ Everson; Samish Watershed; and Birch Bay Watershed and Aquatic Resources Management District. AB2025-711 (Resolution 2025-042) Approved 4-2, Tyler Byrd and Mark Stremler opposed, Ben Elenbaas temporarily absent.
293. Authorize the levy of taxes for the Whatcom County Flood Control Zone District for 2026? (Council acting as the flood control district board of supervisors; public hearing held.) The levy will not change over 2025 levels of 50 cents per $1,000 of assessed value, except for new construction, improvements to property, newly constructed wind turbines, solar, biomass, and geothermal facilities, as well as any increase in the value of state-assessed property, any annexations that have occurred and refunds made. AB2025-784 (Resolution 2025-043) Approved 6-0, Ben Elenbaas temporarily absent.
294. Amend the 2026 budget (request #1) in the amount of $20,970,606? (Public hearing held.) Expenditures — General Fund: Juvenile $1,404,000; Non-Departmental $5,778,508; Public Defender $560,000. Emergency Medical Fund $632,000; Convention Center Fund $1,800,000; Community Priorities Fund $5,000,000; County Jail Fund $4,280,000; Parks Special Revenue Fund $1,116,675; Real Estate Excise Tax II Fund (Parks and Recreation) $514,000; Public Utilities Improvement Fund (Non-Departmental) $6,706,785; Capital Facilities Reserve Fund $750,000; Equipment Rental and Revolving Fund $973,000. There were 17 expenditures below $500,000 that total $2,296,482. AB2025-707 (Ordinance 2025-055) Substitute adopted 4-3, Tyler Byrd, Ben Elenbaas and Mark Stremler opposed.
295. Authorize the 2026 levy of taxes for the Conservation Futures Fund? (Public hearing held.) The council has determined it is necessary to levy taxes in the amount of $14,179, which is an increase of one percent over 2025 levels of 50 cents per $1,000 of assessed value, except for new construction, improvements to property, newly constructed wind turbines, solar, biomass, and geothermal facilities, as well as any increase in the value of state-assessed property, any annexations that have occurred and refunds made. AB2025-719 (Ordinance 2025-056) Adopted 4-3, Tyler Byrd, Ben Elenbaas, and Mark Stremler opposed.
296. Authorize the 2026 levy of taxes for county road purposes? (Public hearing held.) The council has determined it is necessary to levy taxes in the amount of $246,923, which is a percentage increase of 1 percent over 2025 levels of 50 cents per $1,000 of assessed value, except for new construction, improvements to property, newly constructed wind turbines, solar, biomass, and geothermal facilities, as well as any increase in the value of state-assessed property, any annexations that have occurred and refunds made. For the 2026 budget year, $1,156,530 will be diverted from road taxes and used for traffic enforcement in unincorporated areas of Whatcom County. AB2025-721 (Ordinance 2025-057) Adopted 6-1, Todd Donovan opposed.
297. Authorize the 2026 levy of taxes for countywide emergency medical purposes? (Public hearing held.) The council has determined it is necessary to levy taxes in the amount of $ 2,698,925, which is an increase of 19.9 percent over 2025 levels of 50 cents per $1,000 of assessed value, except for new construction, improvements to property, newly constructed wind turbines, solar, biomass, and geothermal facilities, as well as any increase in the value of state-assessed property, any annexations that have occurred and refunds made. AB2025-723 (Ordinance 2025-058) Adopted 5-2, Tyler Byrd and Mark Stremler opposed.
298. Authorize the 2026 levy of taxes for county and state purposes? (Public hearing held.) The council has determined it is necessary to levy taxes in the amount of $387,351, which is a percentage increase of 1 percent over 2025 levels of 50 cents per $1,000 of assessed value, except for new construction, improvements to property, newly constructed wind turbines, solar, biomass, and geothermal facilities, as well as any increase in the value of state-assessed property, any annexations that have occurred and refunds made. AB2025-725 (Ordinance 2025-059) Adopted 4-3, Tyler Byrd, Ben Elenbaas, and Mark Stremler opposed.
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Action Taken at December 9, 2025 Meeting
Shall the council:
299. Adopt amendments to the county code relating to zoning? (Public hearing held.) State law requires the county to review and revise as needed its comprehensive plan and development regulations every 10 years. The amendments are part of that process and will bring code into compliance with preemptive state regulations for accessory dwelling units and co-living standards and parking. (AB2025-812) Failed 2-5, Tyler Byrd, Ben Elenbaas, Kaylee Galloway, Jon Scanlon, and Mark Stremler opposed.
300. Authorize the executive to sign a $302,588 five-year contract with Axon Enterprise of Scottsdale, Arizona, to support the operation of law enforcement body cameras? The contract will provide a subscription for 41 users for storage and sharing of other media evidence through a proprietary cloud-based service. The contract expires on 12/31/2030. (AB2025-815) Authorized 7-0
301. Authorize the executive to sign a $69,600 contract (amendment #1) with Shawna Bosman, ARNP for juvenile nurse practitioner services? The contract provides sick call, examinations, diagnosis, testing, and oversight of all prescribed medications for youth at the detention center. The original contract for $35,919 was signed by the executive on 12/5/2024. The purpose of this amendment is to extend the length of the contract and add to the scope of work. The total amended contract is $105,519; it expires on 12/31/2026. (AB2025-824) Authorized 7-0
302. Fill the youth position vacancy on the Justice Project Oversight and Planning Committee? The purpose of the committee is to monitor progress towards the goals of the county Justice Project Implementation Plan, ensure robust public engagement and communications, contribute to the Jail Planning Task Force’s annual report to the county council, and recommend period updates to the implementation plan. There were two applicants: Cori Reece and Parneet Kaur. Cori Reese, a student at Whatcom Community College, was appointed with six votes. (AB2025-825)
303. Authorize the executive to sign a $72,760 contract (amendment #3) with Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center to provide eviction prevention resolution services? The services address and mitigate disputes released to rental arrears between landlords and tenants. At the 6/6/2023 meeting, the council approved the original contract for $69,000. The purpose of the amendment is to extend the contract and update the scope of work. The total amended contract is $282,519; it expires on 12/31/2026. (AB2025-828) Authorized 7-0
304. Authorize the executive to sign a $481,996 contract (amendment #1) with Ferndale Community Services to increase housing stability for families with children under six? The purpose of the contract is to reduce children’s negative health outcomes that result from the stress and trauma associated with housing instability and increase their well-being. At the 10/8/2024 meeting, vote #282, the council approved the initial $376,416 contract. The purpose of the amendment is to extend the contract and update the scope of work. The total amended contract is $858,412; it expires on 12/31/2026. (AB2025-829) Authorized 7-0
305. Authorize the executive to sign a $955,060 contract (amendment #2) with Lydia Place of Bellingham to increase housing stability for families with young children? The purpose of the contract is to provide short-term housing assistance to reduce children’s negative health outcomes that result from the stress and trauma associated with housing instability and increase their well-being. At the 10/8/2024 meeting, vote #282, the council approved the initial $1,155,524 contract. The purpose of the amendment is to extend the contract for one year. The total amended contract is $2,110,584; it expires on 12/31/2026. (AB2025-831) Authorized 7-0
306. Authorize the executive to sign a $648,568 contract with Opportunity Council to provide on-site supportive services to residents of the permanent supportive housing facility known as 22 North? The 40-unit apartment building offers affordable, permanent supportive housing for individuals exiting homelessness. It provide 24/7/365, clinical behavioral health support for people who are living with a behavioral health diagnosis who require these services to remain stably housed. The contract expires on 12/31/2026. (AB2025-832) Authorized 5-2, Ben Elenbaas and Mark Stremler opposed.
307. Authorize the executive to sign a $348,177 contract (amendment #1) with Lydia Place of Bellingham to expand mental health and parent support services to low-income families with children ages 0-5? The contract supports a paid mental health intern, provides a one full-time mental health clinician and a one full-time family support specialist position, and engages in workforce development training and other activities that increase the number of skilled early childhood care providers. At the 10/8/2024 meeting, vote #283, the council approved the initial $474,786 contract, it expired on 12/31/2025. The purpose of the amendment is to revise the initial term of the agreement and establish a consecutive term through 2026. The total amended contract is $822,963; which expires on 12/31/2026. (AB2025-834) Authorized 7-0
308. Authorize the executive to sign a $136,875 contract (amendment #4) with Sustainable Connections of Bellingham to increase countywide solid waste reduction rates? Solid waste will be reduced through commercial waste audits and detailed technical waste assessments, action plans, and performance evaluations for companies operating in targeted commercial industries. At the 6/18/2024 meeting, vote #160, the council approved the initial $185,417 contract. The purpose of the amendment is to extend the length of the contract and update the scope of work and budget. The total amended contract is $322,292; it expires on 12/31/2026. (AB2025-835) Authorized 7-0
309. Renew the self-insured medical program with Midwest Employer Casualty Company of Chesterfield, Missouri, for 2026? The anticipated annual premium is $120,069, plus a $9,300 broker fee and $100 administration fee; the final premium will be based on actual workers’ hours during 2026. The contract expires on 12/31/2026. (AB2025-836) Authorized 7-0
310. Authorize the executive to sign a $119,000 contract with the Whatcom Conservation District for stormwater programs? (Council acting as the flood control district board of supervisors.) Focus is on rural areas within the Terrell Creek and the Birch Bay watersheds. Funded activities include outreach events, informational materials, and assistance for livestock owners and neighborhood native landscape programs. The contract expires on 1/31/2027. (AB2025-844) Authorized 7-0
311. Authorize the executive to sign a $773,342 contract (request #2) with the Whatcom Conservation District for ongoing technical support for a pollution identification and correction program? (Council acting as the flood control district board of supervisors.) At the 7/25/2023 meeting, vote #188, the council approved the original $773,332 contract with the Whatcom Conservation District. The purpose of the amendment is to expand the scope of work and extend the funding for 21 months. The total amended contact is $1,561,674; it expires on 9/30/2027. (AB2025-846) Authorized 7-0
312. Authorize the executive to sign a $147,532 contract with Associated Earth Sciences of Kirkland to complete the final phase of a four-year study? (Council acting as the flood control district board of supervisors.) The contract is for Phase 5 of the timing and magnitude of groundwater pumping on streamflow depletion at Bertrand Creek, Fourmile Creek and Johnson Creek; it expires on 12/31/2026. (AB2025-848) Authorized 7-0
313. Authorize the executive to sign a $98,191 two-year contract with the City of Bellingham for partial funding of emergency medical services on Galbraith Mountain and nearby forest lands? The joint funding agreement supports emergency response services provided by the South Whatcom Fire Authority to recreational users of Galbraith Mountain. The total annual cost for emergency services is $147,287 — each entity pays one-third of the cost. The contract runs from 1/1/2025 to 12/31/2026. (AB2025-849) Authorized 7-0
314. Authorize the executive to sign a $128,531 contract with Associated Earth Sciences of Kirkland to complete Phase 2 of an investigation into the impacts of agricultural tile drains on stream flows? (Council acting as the flood control district board of supervisors.) Tile drains are a technology to transport water away from saturated agricultural fields. The contract expires on 12/31/2026. (AB2025-850) Authorized 7-0
315. Authorize the executive to accept a $436,108 state grant for improving public defense services in Whatcom County? The funds are for legal representation of indigent defendants. Attorneys will be added, the compensation of attorney/staff increased and for other associated costs. The county public defender’s office has received an annual grant from the state Office of Public Defense since 2006. The grant expires on 6/30/2026. (AB2025-852) Authorized 7-0
316. Authorize the executive to sign a $149,951 contract (amendment #1) with Whatcom Fire Protection District #7 to fund up to two lateral paramedic positions? At the 11/5/2025 meeting, vote #269, the council passed the original contract for $345,537. The county will compensate the fire district for paramedic training program costs, including program administration, student wages and benefits, preceptor training, and class supplies. The total amended contract is $495,488; it expires on 3/31/2027. (AB2025-853) Authorized 7-0
317. Authorize the executive to sign a $123,094 contract (amendment #1) with Just Appraised of Seattle for an online property-tax exemption application portal? The software company helps local governments with property tax processing using AI. At the 12/3/2024 meeting, the council approved the original contract for $60,285.The purpose of the amendment is to extend the contract for three years. The total amended contract is $183,369; it expires on 12/31/2028. (AB2025-855) Authorized 7-0
318. Authorize the executive to sign a $120,000 three-year contract with the Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center to provide the option of mediation services? The services are for participants in civil and small claims cases filed in Whatcom County District Court. Funding is through a surcharge assessed on each civil and small claims court case filed in Whatcom County District Court. The contract expires on 12/31/2028. (AB2025-856) Authorized 7-0
319. Authorize the executive to award the low bid of $99,443 to Camao Construction of Lynden for a roof replacement at Maple Falls Community Park? The engineer’s estimate was $79,424. The roof of the maintenance garage at the park will be replaced. The county received two bids; the high bid was $111,411. (AB2025-857) Authorized 7-0
320. Authorize the executive to sign a three-year collective bargaining agreement with the Washington State Nurses Association? The agreement includes: a 2.75 percent wage increase in 2026, and 2.5 percent in 2027 and 2028; a $20 per day on-call stipend; and medical contributions of $1,621 in 2026, $1,751 in 2027, and $1,891 in 2028. The agreement runs from 1/1/2026 to 12/31/2028. (AB2025-860) Authorized 7-0
321. Authorize the executive to sign contracts with five cities for probation services? The cities are: Bellingham, Blaine, Everson, Lynden, and Sumas. The cities will reimburse the county per open active case. Probation has seen an average yearly increase of 20 percent. Active probation services include: monitoring compliance with drug, domestic violence, mental health, sexual deviance and other court-ordered treatment programs; monitoring completion of community service and payment of restitutions; indigence-status assessment; bail studies; and conducting breath, urine, and oral substance testing. (AB2025-861/862/864/865/866) Authorized 7-0
322. Authorize the executive to sign a $150,000 contract with the Whatcom Community Foundation for administrative services for the Whatcom Racial Equity Commission? Services include: fiscal oversight, reception services, office space and supplies, facilitation of public forums and town halls related to racial equity issues, collaboration on cultural events, analyzing data related to justice system involvement and health outcomes, and continued tracking of racial equity progress in alignment with the Whatcom Racial Equity Commission strategic plan. The contract expires on 12/31/2026. (AB2025-868) Authorized 5-2, Ben Elenbaas and Mark Stremler opposed.
323. Authorize the executive to sign a two-year collective bargaining agreement with the Washington State Council of County and City Employees 2, (AFSCME), Local 114-PD? Wages will increase by 2.7 percent in 2026 and 2.5 percent in 2027. Medical contributions in 2026 are $1,621 and 2027 are $1,751. Public defenders receive $72 per day for after hours on-call rotation. The agreement expires on 12/31/2027. (AB2025-869) Authorized 7-0
324. Authorize the executive to award a bid for $114,725 to Trico Office Interiors of Bellingham to supply and install a modular office furniture system in the assessor’s office? The agenda bill did not contain an engineer’s estimate. Two bids were received; the low bidder was determined to be non-responsive as the materials did not meet minimum system specifications. (AB2025-870) Authorized 7-0
325. Authorize the executive to sign contracts with five cities — totaling $101,310 to enhance border security? The cities are: Blaine ($20,130), Everson ($20,130), Ferndale ($20,790), Lynden ($20,130), and Sumas ($20,130). Funding for these contracts are from the federal government. For 16 years, the county has received Department of Homeland Security/Operation Stonegarden grants (first accepted at the 5/26/2009 meeting, vote #129) for enforcement of immigration law. The contracts expire on 12/31/2026. (AB2025-874/875/876/877/878) Authorized 7-0
326. Authorize the executive to sign a $75,000 contract (amendment #1) with Summit Law Group of Seattle to provide legal services related to collective bargaining? In 2025, the county scheduled 47 bargaining sessions with eight union groups. At the 12/5/2023 meeting, the council approved the original contract for $89,076. The purpose of the amendment is to extend the length of the contract. The total amended amount is $164,076; it expires on 12/31/2026. (AB2025-880) Authorized 7-0
327. Authorize the executive to sign a $449,544 contract (amendment #1) with homeowners participating in activities funded by the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program to account for rising construction costs? (Council acting as the flood control district board of supervisors.) The amendment will permit the use of additional block grant funding to complete projects which now exceed their original budgets. (AB2025-882) Authorized 7-0
328. Adopt a two-year salary schedule and policies for unrepresented Whatcom County employees? The schedule and policies cover employees not represented by a union. It does not cover county elected officials and includes: a 2.75 percent wage increase in 2026 and 2.5 percent in 2027, full medical contribution, and an increase of emergency response and after hours on-call stipends. The schedule runs from 1/1/2026 to 12/31/2027. AB2025-859 (Resolution 2025-044) Approved 7-0
329. Adopt a Lake Whatcom invasive freshwater mussel rapid and extended response plan? This is a joint resolution with the Whatcom County Council and the Lake Whatcom Water and Sewer District. For the purposes of the water supply and ecosystem protection, the multistakeholder plan outlines the procedures to address the detection of quagga, zebra, or golden mussel detection in Lake Whatcom. AB2025- 793 (Resolution 2025-045) Approved 6-1, Ben Elenbaas opposed.
330. Authorize the acquisition of one agricultural conservation easement? The conservation easement program preserves forest and farmland for habitat conservation and outdoor recreation purposes. The property is: owned by Steensma (estimated costs $1,500,000; 5 development rights; 89.1 acres). Local funds are $525,000 from the Conservation Future Fund. AB2025-871 (Resolution 2025-046) Approved 6-0, Tyler Byrd temporarily absent.
331. Amend Resolution 2025-027 to docket an additional comprehensive plan and zoning amendments related to protections for the Lake Whatcom watershed? At the 3/25/2025 meeting, vote #80, council voted to docket the original comprehensive plan and development regulation amendments. The current amendments will align Whatcom County code standards with those of the City of Bellingham in the effort to reduce phosphorous loading in Lake Whatcom. See below for docketed amendments. AB2025- 813 (Resolution 2025-047) Approved 4-2, Ben Elenbaas and Mark Stremler opposed, Tyler Byrd temporarily absent.
332. Certify Whatcom County’s property tax levies for collection in 2026 to the county assessor? State law requires the County Council to certify to the assessor the amount of taxes to be levied upon property within the county. For 2026, the amounts to be levied by fund are: General Fund ($50,663,845); Road Fund ($25,297,716); County EMS Fund ($16,492,620); Flood Control District ($6,616,383); and the Conservation Futures Fund ($1,466,818). AB2025-826 (Resolution 2025-048) Substitute approved 5-1, Ben Elenbaas opposed and Tyler Byrd temporarily absent.
333. Recertify Whatcom County’s 2026 property tax levies for taxing districts? The collection refers to the regular levy, excess levy, and refund levy. The taxing districts are: the cities of Bellingham, Blaine, Everson, Ferndale, Lynden, Nooksack, and Sumas; Cemetery Districts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11; Fire and EMS Districts 4, 11, and 16; Fire Districts 1, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21; Fire Districts EMS 11, 16, and 4; Fire SWFA; Point Roberts Hospital, Point Roberts Parks and Recreation #1; Blaine-Birch Bay Parks and Recreation; Lynden Parks and Recreation: Port of Bellingham; Whatcom County Rural Library District; Affordable Housing Bellingham; Bellingham School District 501; Blaine School District 503; Ferndale School District 502; Lynden School District 504; Meridian School District 505; Nooksack School District 506; Mt. Baker School District 507; and Concrete School District 11. AB2025-883 (Resolution 2025-049 ) Approved 7-0
334. Adopt amendments to the county code relating to zoning? (Public hearing held.) State law requires the county to review and revise as needed its comprehensive plan and development regulations every 10 years. The amendments are part of that process and will bring code into compliance with preemptive state regulations for accessory dwelling units and co-living standards. AB2025-838 (Ordinance 2025-060) Adopted 5-2, Barry Buchanan and Todd Donovan opposed.
335. Amend the 2026 budget (request #2) in the amount of $12,120,000? This appropriation will fund the annual road construction program. See below for appropriations of $100,000 or larger. There were 20 appropriations below $100,000 that total $455,000. AB2025-794 (Ordinance 2025-061) Adopted 7-0
336. Establish a Sheriff’s Office Leasehold Improvements Project Fund and the initial $1,500,000 budget? Improvements will be made to the new sheriff ’s office at 4600 Ryzex Way in Bellingham. Upgrades including security fence construction, locker room installation, information technology upgrades, evidence room and layout changes to meet energy codes. AB2025-796 (Ordinance 2025-062) Adopted 7-0
337. Establish a Birch Bay Beach Park Project Fund and the initial $2,771,675 budget? The project will build restrooms and off-street parking at the park. Once finished, the project will more than double the available public parking, which is especially important during the busy summer months when Birch Bay experiences very high visitation. The parking will significantly improve pedestrian safety and reduce potential vehicle/pedestrian conflict. AB2025-798 (Ordinance 2025- 063) Adopted 6-1, Tyler Byrd opposed.
338. Amend (request #12) the 2025 Whatcom County budget in the amount of $3,565,060? Appropriated: funds for outside conflict attorneys and experts $100,000; additional overtime expenses for the sheriff ’s office corrections bureau $850,000; medical costs for the sheriff ’s office corrections bureau $130,000; additional toxic waste disposal costs $138,000; establish a project fund for improvements to the new sheriff ’s office $1,500,000; L&I claims $753,396. There were three additional appropriations under $100,000 that totaled $93,664. AB2025-816 (Ordinance 2025-064) Adopted 7-0
339. Amend county code relating to the County Council? Amendments to code will change the membership on all standing council committees from three to seven, and change the quorum requirements of all standing committees for the transaction of business from two to four council members. Also amended are council vacancies, general meeting rules, decorum of meeting debates, and powers of the chair. AB2025- 779 (Ordinance 2025-065) Adopted 4-2, Ben Elenbaas and Mark Stremler opposed, Tyler Byrd temporarily absent.
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Action Taken at December 30, 2025 Special Meeting
Shall the council:
340. Authorize the use of Healthy Children’s Fund dollars to protect vulnerable young children affected by flooding? The resolution will authorize the executive to use up to $750,000 from the fund to provide disaster relief assistance for families with children 0-5 years of age who are impacted by the 2025 winter storms. The funding is intended to supplement other local, state, and federal disaster assistance. AB2025-872 (Resolution 2025-050) Substitute amended and approved 7-0.
