# Public Works Committee Grapples with Budget Reality and Long-Term Planning The Whatcom County Public Works and Health Committee convened on the morning of October 7, 2025, for what would prove to be a sobering examination of the county's infrastructure challenges. Committee Chair Jon Scanlon called the meeting to order at 11:05 AM in the county courthouse chambers, with committee members Mark Stremler and Ben Elenbaas present, along with several non-committee council members attending. The meeting, spanning nearly an hour, would cover three significant agenda items: an annual report from the Child and Family Well-Being Task Force, a discussion of the county's transportation improvement plans, and a review of water resources projects. What emerged was a picture of a county grappling with fiscal constraints while attempting to maintain essential infrastructure and services. ## Child and Family Well-Being Task Force Charts New Territory The morning began with a presentation from the Child and Family Well-Being Task Force, delivered by co-chairs Tilda Doughty and Colton Kaltenfeldt. This annual report represented the "everything else" update, distinct from their spring report focused specifically on the Healthy Children's Fund. The task force has embarked on a new phase of community engagement, moving beyond their established work with the Healthy Children's Fund to explore broader advocacy opportunities. "A key focus for the task force this year has been fostering community engagement and input," Doughty explained, describing their presence at community events throughout the county. Their outreach efforts yielded valuable insights from over 35 families across events at the East Whatcom Regional Resource Center in Kendall/Maple Falls and the Bellingham Public Library. When asked what it would look like for their families to thrive in Whatcom County, respondents emphasized themes that were both predictable and telling: affordability, accessibility, resources, flexibility, and community focus topped the list. "Families and family-centered design at the center of what families need to thrive in Whatcom County," Doughty noted, summarizing their findings. Specific needs mentioned included housing, childcare, healthcare, mental healthcare, and counseling – the persistent challenges facing families throughout the region. But some responses revealed less obvious gaps. "Free, low-cost entertainment for families" emerged as a significant theme, along with "parks and green spaces" and "after school and summer programs." Two particularly striking mentions were grocery stores – "a reminder that not all neighborhoods have access to grocery stores" – and pets, highlighting how housing restrictions can fragment families in unexpected ways. The task force has identified a new area of focus: children and families involved with the justice system. "We did find one sort of area where we might be able to work," Kaltenfeldt explained, "specifically looking at children and families who are involved with our justice system and specifically incarcerated family members." This pivot represents a significant evolution for the task force, moving from oversight of existing programs to active advocacy in an underexplored area. They're particularly interested in ensuring that as the county develops plans for a new jail, the experience of children visiting incarcerated family members receives adequate consideration. "Making sure that that process is supportive and doesn't perpetuate cycles of trauma that we know research shows sort of continues that cycle," Kaltenfeldt emphasized. The task force also contributed recommendations to the comprehensive plan update, with Chair Scanlon noting that those recommendations have been incorporated as chapters have moved through the review process. Ann Beck from Health and Community Services provided a brief update on Healthy Children's Fund activities, revealing that the capital RFP recently closed with approximately $6 million in requests under review. She also clarified that the task force was not involved in implementing the $24 million in ARPA funds obligated to childcare and housing, as those decisions occurred during the early days of COVID when the task force was just forming. ## Transportation Plans Collide with Budget Reality The committee's discussion of the six-year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and 2026 Annual Road Program laid bare the stark fiscal realities facing Whatcom County's infrastructure needs. Public Works Director Elizabeth Kosa opened with a sobering reminder: the plans council members were reviewing bore little resemblance to what they had seen just two weeks earlier. "What you saw before is going to be reduced or moved out to the outer years because of that goal of no-deficit spending," Kosa explained. The county's long-standing practice of deficit spending in the road fund had finally reached its breaking point. County Engineer Doug Ranney walked the committee through the modified strategy, emphasizing a fundamental shift in priorities. "Our strategy and focus in creating this modified six-year is to prioritize maintenance of our existing road system while supporting carefully selected capital improvements," he said. The logic was compelling: "Every dollar we spend today on timely maintenance can save us up to ten dollars in future repair and replacement costs," Ranney explained. "It's one of the most fiscally responsible strategies we can adopt." But the new approach required painful trade-offs. The first three years of the TIP show no deficit spending in the road fund, except for ferry construction and terminal replacement work. Projects haven't been eliminated, but they've been pushed into years four, five, and six – creating an ever-growing backlog of unfunded needs. The 2026 annual construction program reflects this constrained reality. While it leverages over $7 million in grant funding, the local share is just over $5 million – dramatically reduced from previous years. Notably, $3.31 million of that local funding, representing 65% of the local capital program, is dedicated to ferry-related projects. Council Member Todd Donovan pressed for clarity on the ferry funding situation, particularly regarding the substantial unfunded amounts shown in planning documents. The discussion revealed the complexity of the ferry replacement project, with staff confident in their cost estimates but acknowledging that implementation depends entirely on securing adequate funding. "We won't be moving forward with implementation of that without secured funding," Ranney assured the committee. The hope is that a proposed countywide ferry district could provide the revenue source to cover debt service, though alternative financing options remain under consideration. The discussion took a particularly pointed turn when Council Member Kaylee Galloway sought to connect recent decisions about the road fund's "banked capacity" with the current budget constraints. Her questions illuminated the gap between last November's expectations and today's reality. "We were kind of under the impression that that was going to be buying back some of those infrastructure projects," Galloway said, referencing the decision to use banked capacity. "And then at our last meeting when we had a sad reality check on the road fund being wildly structurally imbalanced, there was some maybe communication around us maybe not being able to buy those back." Kosa's response was frank: "I would love to say that the bank capacity had solved all the issues, but since we had such a structural imbalance... unfortunately we can't buy back." The banked capacity had helped with cash flow and allowed operations to continue, but it was ultimately absorbed by the fund's structural deficit. The scale of the adjustment is dramatic: Kosa mentioned a "65% cut or reduction in the capital program moving forward for the foreseeable future until we can see any kind of change with revenue or change in entire lines of business." Perhaps most telling was Kosa's admission about staffing: "I would love to come to council and ask for seven more FTEs for the maintenance and operation folks, and not only did we not do that but we're freezing 11 positions." ## Water Resources Projects Navigate Development and Climate Change The committee's review of the six-year Water Resources Improvement Program (WRIP) provided a more stable planning environment, with projects funded through dedicated utility districts in the Lake Whatcom watershed and Birch Bay areas. Cody Swan from the stormwater division outlined projects in both regions, emphasizing how they account for future development. "When we're working in the Lake Whatcom watershed, we consider full build-out of that watershed," he explained, noting that projects are designed to accommodate not just current needs but future growth scenarios. Climate change considerations are built into the planning process. "We design things to a full build-out at the 125% storm event interval," Swan noted. "The extra 25% – it's actually like 23% – but that's to accommodate climate change." The Lake Whatcom projects focus primarily on water quality improvements driven by Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) requirements. The Eagle Ridge project, for instance, will treat a 34-acre development with filter vaults to reduce phosphorus loading. Austin Court improvements will address both drainage issues and water quality in the Geneva area. Birch Bay projects primarily address capacity and drainage issues. The Charles Terrace stormwater outfall, precipitated by the 2018 coastal flooding event, has been delayed by federal environmental and historical review processes. "We'd like to get this project built in 2026, but it's all contingent on how that project works through their EHP," Swan explained. Lower Lane drainage and tidegate modifications represent the kind of collaborative approach that characterizes many county water projects. The county has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Leisure Park community to address flooding that affects both residential areas and Birch Bay Water and Sewer District's treatment facilities. Julie Anderson, the River and Flood manager, outlined projects ranging from routine maintenance to major flood control initiatives. The Ferndale levee project will begin construction in 2027, while the Glacier Gallop alluvial fan restoration project continues working toward a preferred alternative with community input. Council Member Galloway inquired about incorporating climate projections from the Future Shorelines project into flood control planning. "Absolutely, it's incorporated into the FLIP work, the Floodplains Integrated Planning work that we do with our partners," Anderson confirmed. The discussion also touched on Point Roberts drainage issues. While no projects are currently planned, Director Kosa noted that the WRIP is updated annually, providing opportunities to add projects as the Point Roberts community resolves funding questions, potentially through a utility district. ## Looking Ahead: Constrained Resources, Persistent Needs The October 7 committee meeting painted a picture of a county government attempting to balance fiscal responsibility with infrastructure needs and community services. The Child and Family Well-Being Task Force's evolution toward justice system advocacy reflects their search for meaningful impact in an era of established programs. The transportation discussion revealed the painful reality of infrastructure needs exceeding available resources, while water resources planning showed the benefits of dedicated funding mechanisms. As the meeting concluded at 11:56 AM, council members prepared to consider these items for introduction at the evening's council meeting. The transportation and water resources resolutions would move forward largely as presented, but the underlying challenges they represent – aging infrastructure, climate change, population growth, and constrained budgets – will continue to shape county decision-making for years to come. The ferry funding questions will likely return as the Executive's Office works with federal agencies on financing plans, while the road fund's structural imbalance will continue to constrain capital projects until new revenue sources are identified or priorities are fundamentally restructured. For Whatcom County residents, the meeting underscored both the complexity of local government planning and the direct impact of fiscal constraints on daily life – from road maintenance to flood protection to family services. The county's infrastructure needs haven't diminished, but its capacity to address them has been fundamentally altered by the recognition that deficit spending cannot continue indefinitely.

### Meeting Overview The Whatcom County Public Works & Health Committee met on October 7, 2025, for 51 minutes to hear an annual report from the Child and Family Well-Being Task Force and discuss transportation and water resources improvement programs for 2026-2031. ### Key Terms and Concepts **Child and Family Well-Being Task Force:** A county task force that provides input on family-focused policies and oversees Healthy Children's Fund implementation, with co-chairs Tilda Doughty and Colton Kaltenfeldt. **TIP (Transportation Improvement Program):** A six-year planning document that outlines the county's transportation infrastructure projects and funding strategies, covering 2026-2031. **WRIP (Water Resources Improvement Program):** A six-year plan for stormwater and flood control projects serving Lake Whatcom and Birch Bay watersheds through utility districts. **Road Fund Structural Imbalance:** A significant budget challenge where the county's transportation spending consistently exceeds revenue, requiring deficit spending cuts and project deferrals. **Banked Capacity:** Previously unused borrowing capacity that was activated in November to help balance the road fund but proved insufficient to solve the structural deficit. **FEMA Projects:** Federal Emergency Management Agency-funded infrastructure repairs, often delayed by extensive environmental and historical review processes. **Ferry District:** A proposed countywide funding mechanism being explored to finance the $54 million Lummi Island Ferry replacement project. ### Key People at This Meeting | Name | Role / Affiliation | |---|---| | Jon Scanlon | Committee Chair | | Tilda Doughty | Child and Family Well-Being Task Force Co-Chair | | Colton Kaltenfeldt | Child and Family Well-Being Task Force Co-Chair | | Elizabeth Kosa | Public Works Director | | Doug Ranney | Public Works Engineer | | Ann Beck | Health and Community Services Manager | | Cody Swan | Stormwater Program Manager | | Julie Anderson | River and Flood Manager | ### Background Context This meeting occurred during a critical period for Whatcom County's infrastructure funding. The road fund faces a severe structural imbalance requiring a 65% reduction in capital projects, forcing the county to push most transportation improvements to outer years (2029-2031). Simultaneously, the county is planning major investments through specialized utility districts for stormwater management and preparing for significant ferry infrastructure replacement. The Child and Family Well-Being Task Force has identified justice system reform as a new focus area, particularly ensuring that jail planning considers impacts on children visiting incarcerated family members. ### What Happened — The Short Version The Child and Family Well-Being Task Force presented their annual report highlighting community engagement efforts and a new focus on supporting families affected by incarceration. Public Works presented dramatically scaled-back transportation and infrastructure plans due to road fund deficits, with most capital projects pushed to 2029-2031. The six-year TIP shows no deficit spending in years 1-3, but years 4-6 contain $35+ million in unfunded needs. Ferry replacement planning continues with $54 million needed, awaiting federal funding and potential creation of a county ferry district. Stormwater and flood control projects proceed on schedule through dedicated utility districts. ### What to Watch Next - Introduction of the TIP and WRIP resolutions at the October 7 evening Council meeting - Federal funding decisions for the $54 million ferry replacement project - State legislation enabling county ferry district creation - Annual budget discussions addressing the road fund structural imbalance ---

**Q:** What is the main focus of the Child and Family Well-Being Task Force's new advocacy work? **A:** Supporting children and families involved with the justice system, particularly those with incarcerated family members, to help disrupt cycles of trauma and incarceration. **Q:** What percentage reduction has been made to the capital program due to road fund challenges? **A:** 65% reduction in the capital programme moving forward for the foreseeable future until revenue changes or new funding sources are identified. **Q:** How much money in capital requests did the Healthy Children's Fund RFP receive? **A:** About $6 million in capital requests that are now under review. **Q:** What is the total cost estimate for the Lummi Island Ferry replacement project? **A:** $54 million for the ferry vessel and onshore facilities combined. **Q:** What community engagement question did the task force ask at public events? **A:** "What would it look like for your family to thrive in Whatcom county?" **Q:** How many responses did the task force receive from their two community events? **A:** Over 35 responses from events at East Whatcom Regional Resource Centre and Bellingham Public Library. **Q:** What years show no deficit spending in the revised TIP? **A:** Years 1, 2, and 3 (2026-2028) show no deficit spending on the road fund. **Q:** What is the local share for the 2026 Annual Construction Programme? **A:** Just over $5 million in local funds, which leverages over $7 million in grant money. **Q:** How much of the 2026 local capital programme goes to ferry-related projects? **A:** 65% of the local capital programme ($3.31 million of $5 million) goes to ferry projects. **Q:** What two watershed utility districts fund stormwater projects? **A:** Lake Whatcom watershed district and Birch Bay watershed district (BB WARM). **Q:** What storm event interval do stormwater projects design for? **A:** 125% of the standard storm event interval (25% extra to accommodate climate change). **Q:** When did banked capacity get approved for the road fund? **A:** September/November of last year (2024), but it proved insufficient to solve the structural deficit. **Q:** What is the next step before requesting Council action on ferry funding? **A:** Ensuring state law provides adequate flexibility to implement a countywide ferry district. **Q:** What major flooding event precipitated the Charles Terrace stormwater project? **A:** The coastal flooding event that happened in 2018. **Q:** How often does the county update the WRIP (Water Resources Improvement Program)? **A:** Every year, providing annual opportunities to add new projects. **Q:** What federal agency is reviewing the Charles Terrace stormwater project? **A:** FEMA is conducting environmental and historical review that has significantly delayed the project. **Q:** What percentage contribution reduction was made for the Pullender levy repair? **A:** The sub zone contribution was reduced from 30% to 15%, with the flood control zone district covering the remaining 15%. **Q:** What design percentage has the Fish Camp project reached? **A:** 30% design, with the Nooksack Tribe leading design and potential construction. **Q:** What was the top community priority identified in task force outreach? **A:** Family-centered design, followed by affordability, accessibility, and resources. **Q:** When will both the TIP and WRIP be introduced to the full Council? **A:** At the October 7, 2025 evening Council meeting for introduction. ---