# Bellingham's Budget Tightrope: Fire and Police Cuts Shape 2026 Amid Long Comprehensive Plan Discussion On a crisp October morning, the Bellingham City Council convened for what would prove to be a marathon three-hour and eighteen-minute Committee of the Whole session, wrestling with the harsh realities of a constrained budget while simultaneously charting the city's long-term growth through 2045. The meeting, split between the Mayor's Boardroom and Council Chambers, painted a stark picture of a city forced to make difficult choices about public safety staffing while planning for unprecedented growth. ## The Budget Reality: Painful Cuts to Essential Services Finance Director Andy Asbjornsen opened the morning by walking council members through the 2026 budget structure, explaining the city's transition to annual budgeting and the separation of operating from capital expenses. But it was the presentations from Fire Chief Hewett and Police Chief Mertzig that revealed the true gravity of Bellingham's financial situation. ### Fire Department: Skipping Academy, Cutting Emergency Management Chief Hewett delivered sobering news about his department's $60 million proposed budget. While 87% of the funding remains focused on 911 services, the department is making significant cuts to maintain core operations. The most notable reduction: eliminating the recruit academy for 2026, saving $162,000 directly while reducing four firefighter positions through attrition. "We were able to curtail by not having an academy next year," Chief Hewett explained. "We were able to save 162,000 in just directly and cutting expenses out of there. We're also able to reduce through attrition four firefighter positions." But the chief was clear this wasn't a sustainable long-term solution: "The thing that I want to be super clear about, though, is that these gaps, the shutting out of the Recruit Academy in particular is very much something we're able to take advantage of next year because the way that it staffed up and the training pool positions that we have pre-hired for retirements allow us to make it through next year... But we will have to address that in 2027." The cuts extend beyond personnel. The Office of Emergency Management, previously expanded to address growing community needs, is being reduced to a single person. The position of public outreach coordinator, responsible for community emergency preparedness programs like CERT training and neighborhood mapping, is being eliminated. Also cut is the plans coordinator position, heavily involved in comprehensive emergency planning and preparations for major events like FIFA. Council Member Cotton expressed concern about this reduction: "What I'm worried about is a low frequency but high intensity of happening. And yeah, I think about the 1999 pipeline explosion that happened here. These are maybe, you know, once in a generation events, but the floods and other disasters may not be." Chief Hewett acknowledged the reality: "When we talk about the work that only we can do. And then within the fire department, the work we must do versus the work we should do. Unfortunately, you know, that is work we should be doing, but the unfortunate realities of the budget were hard choices we need to be made." ### Police Department: Frozen Positions and Future Challenges Chief Mertzig presented a similarly constrained picture for the police department. Despite filling their ranks over the past three years—a significant achievement given nationwide recruitment challenges—the department is freezing three officer positions and one public information officer position, while eliminating one records management position. The department expects to respond to approximately 76,000 calls for service in 2026, a 760-call increase from the previous year. With staffing cuts, Chief Mertzig was direct about the impact: "as the numbers increase and our numbers do not, that's just going to mean longer hold times for non-emergency stuff. People could wait hours for a simple call and that's not ideal." The conversation repeatedly returned to the proposed public safety sales tax increase, which would generate approximately $4 million annually. Without this revenue, staff estimated the city would need to cut 25-30 additional positions citywide. Council Member Williams captured the dilemma: "There's general idea that to be trans and supportive you need residential densities around 15 units per acre... without this [sales tax], we're gonna have those tough decisions like do we give money to the food bank, do we have? It's gonna go across the entire city. So the money does go in because in a sense it will help supplant the police budget so that it's maintained." ## Planning for Growth: The Bellingham Plan Takes Shape After a lunch break, the focus shifted from immediate budget constraints to long-term planning with the presentation of the Bellingham Plan—the city's comprehensive plan update required by state law. ### A Product of Extensive Community Engagement Elizabeth Erickson, Senior Planner, and Anya Gedrath, Planner, presented the culmination of two years of work involving unprecedented community engagement. The numbers were impressive: nearly 9,000 survey responses, more than a dozen open houses with 980+ participants, 750+ engaged online, 11 community workgroup meetings, and three Spanish-speaking focus groups. "We really tried to do it all," Gedrath noted, emphasizing the diversity of voices incorporated into the planning process. The plan is organized around four key themes that distinguish it from the 2016 version: Bellingham for All, Sustainable Growth, More Housing Choice, and Climate Resilience. These themes reflect both community input and new state legislative requirements. ### Growth Allocations and Housing Challenges The plan anticipates significant growth: Bellingham is allocated 45% of Whatcom County's population growth, 51% of housing growth, and 60% of employment growth through 2045. This translates to approximately 19,384 new housing units and 18,390 new jobs. Erickson emphasized that meeting these targets requires both policy changes and boundary expansion: "If we were to change nothing about our land use map and about our policies and the way that we allow growth and we would not be able to meet these targets under our current strategy." The proposed changes include significant modifications to the Urban Growth Area (UGA), removing some watershed areas while adding the north reserve area. The residential zoning structure is being completely revamped to comply with state middle housing legislation (HB 1110), creating a continuum of Residential Low, Medium, and High designations rather than the current bifurcated single/multi-family approach. ### State Mandates Drive Change Much of the plan's direction stems from recent state legislation. HB 1110 requires cities to allow at least four units on most residential lots. HB 1220 mandates planning for housing affordable to all income levels while requiring cities to identify and remove policies with racially disparate impacts. HB 1181 requires comprehensive plans to include climate elements addressing both mitigation and resilience. Council members expressed particular interest in understanding how the city would encourage development in the middle-income housing market—between high-end market-rate housing and subsidized affordable units. "Development is basically they focus on the 120 [percent of Area Median Income] or above," noted Council Member Lilliquist. "We as a city focus on that, you know, 30% below with subsidized housing but our greatest amount of housing has to be that area in the middle." ### Urban Growth Area Debates and Infrastructure Concerns The proposed UGA changes generated significant discussion. The plan recommends adding the north reserve area to the UGA while keeping the south area in reserve status. Council members pressed for details about infrastructure requirements, particularly water and sewer capacity. Council Member Lilliquist noted concerns about infrastructure costs: "the client Kelly area that was subject, I think, to like a sewer, I think it's a sewer lift station concern that may be resolved. That area is still probably impacted by King Mountain water towers that are, you know, in long-term anticipation. And then the U-Shoot UGA, I'm wondering if even the Northern portion is also impacted by the need for a water tower to have a good pressure zone." Council Member Anderson asked whether the large UGA could be broken into phases, bringing in areas as infrastructure becomes available rather than attempting to serve the entire area simultaneously. ## Legislative Lobbying Framework Approved The final agenda item addressed the city's approach to state-level advocacy. Legislative Policy Analyst Iris Nott presented a comprehensive guide establishing clear roles for the mayor's office, council members, and contract lobbyists. The document formalizes the working group structure established for the 2025 legislative session, with the mayor leading efforts and up to three council members participating in weekly strategy sessions during the legislative session. "During the session, the lobbying working group has a pretty regular, consistent commitment," Nott explained. "When you're thinking about membership, it's weekly meetings. It's a lot of communication in between because there are frequent fast-paced decisions that are happening in Olympia." The guide clarifies when council members can speak on behalf of the city (only for adopted agenda items) versus when they must identify themselves as speaking individually. Council unanimously approved the framework, with member selection for the 2026 session planned for November. ## Looking Ahead: Multiple Challenges Converge The meeting highlighted the complex challenges facing Bellingham as it navigates competing pressures. The budget constraints forcing cuts to fire and police services come at the same time the city must plan for unprecedented growth and comply with aggressive state housing mandates. The proposed public safety sales tax emerges as a critical piece of the financial puzzle, potentially allowing the city to maintain current service levels while generating revenue for state-mandated housing investments. Without it, the alternative appears to be significantly deeper cuts across all departments. The Bellingham Plan faces its own tight timeline, with state requirements mandating adoption by the end of 2025. Council members will review detailed chapters over the next two meetings, followed by a public hearing on November 3rd. As Council President Huthman noted during the lengthy session, the council is grappling with decisions that will shape Bellingham for decades while responding to immediate budget pressures that could affect public safety and emergency response capabilities in the near term. The challenge will be finding solutions that address both the city's immediate fiscal constraints and its long-term growth management obligations. The meeting concluded with an executive session on potential litigation, underscoring that beyond budget and planning challenges, the city continues to face complex legal issues requiring careful navigation.

### Meeting Overview The Bellingham City Council Committee of the Whole met on October 6, 2025, for budget work sessions on police and fire departments, a comprehensive plan overview presentation, and discussion of legislative lobbying guidance. The meeting focused heavily on the city's 2026 budget challenges and the long-term Bellingham Plan for growth management. ### Key Terms and Concepts **Budget Work Session:** Opportunity for City Council to learn details about specific department budgets before formal adoption, allowing for questions and discussion. **Committee of the Whole:** A meeting format where all council members participate in detailed review and discussion of issues before they come to formal votes. **Comprehensive Plan (Bellingham Plan):** The city's 20-year guiding plan that addresses housing, transportation, climate resilience, and growth management, required by state law to be updated every 10 years. **Urban Growth Area (UGA):** Designated boundaries where urban development is planned and supported with city services, a key tool for managing sprawl under Washington's Growth Management Act. **Growth Management Act (GMA):** Washington state legislation requiring cities and counties to develop comprehensive plans to manage population growth and reduce sprawl. **Middle Housing (HB 1110):** State legislation requiring cities to allow four-plex housing and other "missing middle" housing types in residential neighborhoods. **Emergency Management:** City function responsible for planning, response, and recovery during disasters and emergencies, including coordination with other agencies. **Legislative Lobbying Working Group:** A team of the mayor, three council members, and staff who coordinate the city's advocacy efforts with the state legislature. ### Key People at This Meeting | Name | Role / Affiliation | |---|---| | Kim Lund | Mayor | | Hollie Huthman | Council President, Second Ward | | Hannah Stone | Council Member, First Ward | | Daniel Hammill | Council Member, Third Ward | | Edwin "Skip" Williams | Council Member, Fourth Ward | | Lisa Anderson | Council Member, Fifth Ward | | Michael Lilliquist | Council Member, Sixth Ward | | Jace Cotton | Council Member, At-Large | | Andy Asbjornsen | Finance Director | | Chief Hewett | Fire Chief | | Chief Mertzig | Police Chief | | Blake Lyon | Planning & Community Development Director | | Elizabeth Erickson | Senior Planner | | Anya Gedrath | Planner | | Iris Nott | Legislative Policy Analyst | ### Background Context Bellingham is facing significant budget pressures in 2026, requiring difficult decisions about service levels and staffing. The city is simultaneously working to adopt an updated comprehensive plan by the end of 2025 to comply with state requirements and manage expected growth of nearly 60,000 new residents in Whatcom County by 2045. The budget discussions revealed the tension between maintaining essential services and managing costs. Both police and fire departments presented budgets that maintain current service levels through strategic cuts and efficiencies, including eliminating a fire recruit academy for one year and reducing emergency management staffing. These represent short-term solutions that will require addressing in future years. The comprehensive plan update represents two years of community engagement involving nearly 9,000 survey responses and extensive public input. The plan must address new state housing mandates while balancing growth with environmental protection and quality of life concerns. ### What Happened — The Short Version The meeting started with budget presentations from police and fire departments, both showing approaches to maintaining core services while making strategic reductions. The fire department eliminated a recruit academy and reduced emergency management staff, while the police department froze several positions. Both chiefs emphasized these were one-time moves requiring future solutions. The second half focused on the Bellingham Plan comprehensive update, with staff providing an overview of the two-year planning process and key changes including new residential zoning categories, urban growth area adjustments, and climate resilience planning. Council members asked detailed questions about specific areas and requested additional information for future meetings. The council unanimously approved a legislative lobbying guide that formalizes the city's approach to state advocacy, establishing a working group structure and clarifying roles for council members in lobbying efforts. ### What to Watch Next - Budget adoption process continues with more department presentations in coming weeks - Bellingham Plan chapter-by-chapter review scheduled for October 13 and October 20 - Public hearing on the comprehensive plan set for November 3 - Selection of three council members for the 2026 legislative lobbying working group in November - Final comprehensive plan adoption required by end of 2025 ---

**Q:** What is the total proposed 2026 city budget? **A:** $543 million across all city funds. **Q:** How many calls for service did police expect to respond to in 2025? **A:** Approximately 76,431 calls, an increase of 760 calls from the previous year. **Q:** What percentage of the fire department budget goes to 911 services? **A:** 87% of the fire department's nearly $60 million budget focuses on 911 emergency services. **Q:** How much money would the fire department save by not having a recruit academy in 2026? **A:** $162,000 in direct savings, plus additional savings from reducing four firefighter positions through attrition. **Q:** How many people are projected to move to Whatcom County by 2045? **A:** Just under 60,000 new people, bringing the total county population to approximately 293,000. **Q:** What does HB 1110 require for housing? **A:** It legalizes middle housing forms like fourplexes in residential neighborhoods throughout the city. **Q:** How often must comprehensive plans be updated under state law? **A:** Every 10 years, with this update required to be completed by the end of 2025. **Q:** How many people participated in the Bellingham Plan engagement process? **A:** Nearly 9,000 survey responses plus over 980 participants in 14 open houses and other engagement activities. **Q:** What new urban village was recently added to the comprehensive plan? **A:** The Barkley Urban Village, which the City Council adopted in August 2025. **Q:** How many council members serve on the legislative lobbying working group? **A:** Up to three council members, along with the mayor, staff, and contract lobbyists. **Q:** What is the proposed reduction in emergency management staff? **A:** 1.4 FTE positions, including a half-time public outreach coordinator and reduction of the plans coordinator position. **Q:** When will the Planning Commission hold a public hearing on the Bellingham Plan? **A:** The Planning Commission already held its public hearing on September 18 and recommended adoption on September 25. **Q:** How much did Whatcom County agree to increase fire district payments to Bellingham? **A:** 10% increase for 2026, compared to the contractually required 2.8-3% increase. **Q:** What are the three proposed residential zoning categories in the new plan? **A:** Residential Low, Residential Medium, and Residential High, plus Residential Watershed. **Q:** When will the City Council hold its public hearing on the comprehensive plan? **A:** November 3, 2025. **Q:** What is the timeframe for Washington state's legislative session in 2026? **A:** About 60 days, as it will be a short session rather than a long session. **Q:** How many FTE positions does the police department propose to freeze? **A:** Four positions total: three patrol officer positions and one public information officer position. **Q:** What percentage of Bellingham's growth allocation covers housing versus population? **A:** 51% of housing growth and 45% of population growth for the county. ---