Whatcom County to host public hearings on budget plans, taxes

Whatcom County Council voted 6-1 to introduce public hearings on budget and tax plans for 2026. The proposed $10. 1 million budget increase addresses high inflation and rising personnel costs, as stated in Executive Satpal Sidhu's recent letter. The council aims to manage a total budget increase of nearly $21 million for the upcoming fiscal year. Residents will have the chance to comment on both the budget increase and potential tax levies during the public hearings, set to be announced next month.

Sidhu emphasized that the new council will need to consider service reductions and other cost-cutting measures in light of these financial challenges. The hearings offer a platform for community engagement on significant fiscal decisions. Local officials hope to balance the budget while meeting the expanding needs of the community. This process highlights the ongoing challenges faced by local governments in managing rising costs and ensuring service delivery.