Whatcom County Council

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 council debate over whether to approve the tax immediately or put it to voters. The meeting began with Executive Sidhu celebrating a successful state legislative session that secured $13 million for flood mitigation and allowed creation of a ferry district authority, but the tone shifted dramatically during the public hearing on AB2026-213. Seven public speakers addressed the criminal justice tax proposal, with most expressing skepticism about the rushed timeline and lack of specificity on how funds would be spent. Adam Bellinger offered "begrudging support" citing decades of underinvestment in public safety, while Hannah Ortiz and Michelle Cameron urged council to put the measure to voters rather than imposing it councilmatically. Multiple speakers questioned the county's spending priorities and called for greater fiscal accountability. The council debate became increasingly tense as members grappled with competing pressures: the need for additional revenue to fund jail operations and sheriff services versus public demands for voter input on tax increases. Council Member Stremler moved to table the item entirely, seeking to give voters a say, while Chair Galloway defended the urgency citing budget deadlines and potential cuts to sheriff deputies. The motion to table failed 4-3, falling short of the required two-thirds majority. Council Member Elenbaas then moved to hold the item until April 7th or 14th, expressing personal financial struggles and arguing that imposing taxes without voter approval felt wrong. "I'm having a hard time looking my neighbor in the face and telling them that they need to pay more because I said so," Elenbaas stated. The motion to hold passed 6-1, with only Chair Galloway opposing. The meeting also featured significant public testimony on floodi