New potential Bellingham sales tax would help bolster criminal justice services

Bellingham City Council approved a resolution to investigate a new sales tax aimed at enhancing criminal justice services amid a significant $10 million budget deficit. Deputy City Administrator Forest Longman highlighted that the proposed one-tenth of one percent sales tax could generate nearly $4 million in revenue for the police department and related programs by 2026. If enacted, the tax would help reduce the deficit to $6 million, providing temporary relief. Longman pointed out that this funding addresses only short-term needs, as the city’s expenses continue to outpace its revenue growth. The Washington state Legislature enabled the option for cities to impose this tax earlier this year, allowing Bellingham to act quickly if it chooses to do so.

The city must apply soon to begin collecting the tax in 2026, though this does not obligate it to impose the tax. The council plans to revisit the proposal in September to assess its implementation. This initiative reflects ongoing challenges in funding local law enforcement amidst rising costs and budget constraints.