County Council Finance and Administrative Services Committee

The Whatcom County Council Finance and Administrative Services Committee held a productive 68-minute meeting on November 5, 2025, processing 21 consent agenda items and three major discussion items. The committee approved $27.6 million in contracts and agreements, with the largest being a three-year, $22.9 million jail healthcare contract with Correctional Healthcare Partners Inc. Three paramedic training agreements generated debate, with Council Member Tyler Byrd voting against all three, citing concerns about costs compared to state-approved alternatives. The committee also advanced tourism funding allocations and approved a controversial Sheriff's Office lease agreement, with Chair Todd Donovan abstaining due to potential conflicts of interest. The meeting highlighted ongoing tensions over county spending priorities, particularly around emergency medical services training costs. Byrd argued that the county's paramedic training program costs substantially more than state-approved alternatives, while Council Member Kaylee Galloway defended the apprenticeship-style program's value and retention rates. The committee processed routine funding agreements for services ranging from severe weather shelters to marine resources conservation, demonstrating the breadth of county operations requiring regular authorization. Significant administrative improvements were approved, including new budget software that will provide real-time financial data integration and public budget transparency tools. The meeting concluded with approval of a Sheriff's Office lease that generated discussion about public perception and potential conflicts of interest, ultimately passing with Donovan's abstention.

**Jail Healthcare Contract (AB2025-730):** Approved 3-0. Three-year contract with Correctional Healthcare Partners Inc. for $22.9 million ($7.5M annually plus $156K equipment). Expands services to 24/7 jail coverage and 7-day juvenile detention nursing. Funding from general fund ($3.5M annually increase) and behavioral health fund (existing amount). Includes hiring oversight position already budgeted. **Paramedic Training Agreements:** Three separate contracts approved 2-1 (Byrd dissenting): Whatcom Fire District 7 ($345,537), City of Bellingham ($1,008,442), Whatcom County training others (Marysville Fire $136,200, Camano Fire $55,600). Byrd argued state-approved alternatives cost ~$20,000 vs county's higher-cost apprenticeship model. Galloway defended program's retention rates and revenue generation. **Tourism Funding Allocations (AB2025-770):** Approved 3-0. 2026 convention center fund allocations for tourism facilities and activities per RCW 67.28.1816. Includes infrastructure investments like restrooms, youth recreation facilities, chamber of commerce support for Birch Bay and East County visitor services. **Budget Software Purchase (AB2025-787):** Approved via consent, $441,159. Euna Solutions software to replace 15-year-old Access database. Will integrate with accounting system, provide real-time data, scenario-based budgeting, and public "budget book" portal for transparency. Implementation timeline: one year, ready for 2027-28 biennium. **Sheriff's Office Lease (AB2025-782):** Approved 2-0-1 (Donovan abstained). Eight-year lease with Ryanna LLC for 4600 Ryzex Way facility, ~$750,000 annually including taxes/maintenance. Donovan abstained citing potential public perception issues with county paying former council member. Move-in target: summer 2025. **Severe Weather Shelter Funding (AB2025-741):** Approved via consent. $100,000 interlocal with City of Bellingham for 2025-26 shelter operations. Projected total cost $434,000-517,000 depending on activation nights. County using consolidated homeless grant funds first, then city local funds. City also developing separate daytime warming center.

**Tyler Byrd, on paramedic training costs:** "We don't need to raise the EMS levy tonight. We need to fix this problem and several others that are similar to it." **Kaylee Galloway, defending the paramedic program:** "This is less like a traditional associates degree and more like a traditional apprenticeship programme. So, part of the expenses that we're seeing today go towards the salaries of the individuals who are in that programme who are receiving on the job training during that programme." **Tyler Byrd, on training cost disparities:** "There is absolutely zero data or evidence that shows that this is putting out better candidates, more educated candidates or anything to that extent." **Randy Rydel, on budget software modernization:** "It sounds funny to say that, but we are going into hopefully the future of being able to have this software that will integrate with our accounting software." **Todd Donovan, on lease conflict concerns:** "I have concerns, though not questioning the integrity of that council member or of the Council in doing this, about how directing money to a former council member might be viewed by the public." **Mark Stremler, on development rights:** "At some point, if we take it away here, we need to put it somewhere else."