Ordinance to authorize a 0.1% sales and use tax for criminal justice purposes, including funding for sheriff deputies, courts, sheriff office operations, and jail health care. Public hearing held with extensive community testimony revealing significant debate over whether the council should impose the tax directly or submit it to voter approval, exposing fundamental disagreements about democratic governance and fiscal responsibility.
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Bill #2026-213
Criminal Justice Sales and Use Tax Authorization
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Summary
Meeting History
Discussed in 4 meetings
March 10, 2026
— Washington-Whatcom-Whatcom County
Whatcom County Council Regular
The Whatcom County Council held a routine regular meeting on March 10, 2026, processing 17 agenda bills with unanimous or near-unanimous approval across most items. The most significant action was ...
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March 10, 2026
— Washington-Whatcom-Whatcom County
Committee of the Whole
The Whatcom County Council Committee of the Whole advanced significant portions of the County's Comprehensive Plan update on March 10, 2026, approving multiple chapters with important amendments ...
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March 24, 2026
— Washington-Whatcom-Whatcom County
Whatcom County Council Regular
Whatcom County Council held a contentious 3-hour meeting centered on a proposed 0.1% sales tax for criminal justice purposes, with the evening dominated by extensive public testimony and heated ...
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March 24, 2026
— Washington-Whatcom-Whatcom County
Budget & Finance Committee
The Whatcom County Council Finance and Administrative Services Committee advanced 19 items worth approximately $7.8 million in new spending and contract amendments, while engaging in significant ...
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