### Meeting Overview The Whatcom County Council met on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, for their regular evening meeting in a hybrid format. The main focuses were passing county-wide planning policies after a 4-3 vote, approving transportation and road programs, and introducing 11 budget-related items for the 2026 budget process. ### Key Terms and Concepts **County-wide Planning Policies:** Guidelines that coordinate planning between Whatcom County and its cities, housed in the comprehensive plan's Appendix C. These policies help ensure consistent development standards across jurisdictions. **Urban Growth Area (UGA):** Designated areas where urban development is encouraged under the Growth Management Act. Council discussed concerns about data used for UGA projections. **Transportation Improvement Program (TIP):** A six-year plan outlining county transportation projects and funding from 2026-2031. **EMS Levy:** A property tax specifically for emergency medical services. The county is considering using "bank capacity" - the difference between voter-approved 29 cents and the current 22 cents collected. **Bank Capacity:** The unused portion of voter-approved tax levy authority. For EMS, voters approved 29 cents per $1,000 assessed value, but the county only collects 22 cents. **Flood Control Zone District:** A special district that addresses flood control and water resource management, governed by the County Council acting as the Board of Supervisors. **Ex Parte Communication:** Prohibited one-sided communication with council members about matters where they act in a quasi-judicial role, such as major project permits. ### Key People at This Meeting | Name | Role / Affiliation | |---|---| | Kaylee Galloway | Council Chair | | Tyler Byrd | Council Member District 1 | | Todd Donovan | Council Member District 2 | | Ben Elenbaas | Council Member District 3 | | Barry Buchanan | Council Member District 4 | | Mark Stremler | Council Member District 5 | | Jon Scanlon | Council Member District 6 | | Matt Aamot | Planning and Development Services | | Kayla Schott-Bresler | Deputy Executive | | Hank Maleng | Fire Chief, District 16 | ### Background Context This meeting occurred during budget season, with the county preparing its 2026 budget and associated tax levies. The EMS levy discussion reflects ongoing debates about balancing public safety funding needs with taxpayer burden. The county-wide planning policies approval came after months of negotiations with cities and represents a compromise on regional growth coordination. Several speakers addressed public safety concerns, jail overcrowding issues, and infrastructure needs, highlighting the challenging fiscal environment facing local governments. ### What Happened — The Short Version The council approved county-wide planning policies by a narrow 4-3 margin despite concerns about data requirements. They unanimously passed transportation and road programs for 2026. The council introduced 11 budget-related items and established a timeline for budget discussions, with public hearings on November 5 and final votes on December 2. Several fire chiefs and commissioners spoke supporting the use of EMS levy bank capacity to maintain services. Other speakers raised concerns about sheriff's department working conditions, neighborhood safety, traffic issues, and jail capacity. ### What to Watch Next • November 5: Public hearing on 2026 budget and all associated levy ordinances • November 18: Council discussion and potential amendments to budget proposals • December 2: Final votes on 2026 budget and levy ordinances • Follow-up on jail healthcare contract worth $22.9 million over three years ---