Whatcom County Council approves lease for new sheriffs office location

The Whatcom County Council voted 6-0 to approve a lease for a new sheriff's office in Bellingham's Cordata neighborhood, addressing the deteriorating conditions at the current site. The existing office is in the basement of the county jail, which was not designed for that purpose, leading to what county executive Satpal Sidhu calls "substandard" conditions. The new office will be located at 4600 Ryzex Way, in the former headquarters of printing technology manufacturer Ryzex. Former council member Rud Browne owns the new location, raising concerns for council member Todd Donovan, who abstained from the vote due to potential conflicts of interest. Donovan expressed discomfort with passing a lease that directs funds to a former member of the council.

To fund the new location, officials may need to approve a new public safety sales tax or implement cuts totaling $750,000 to the Sheriff’s Office budget. Council member Ben Elenbaas defended the rental costs, asserting that the deal is the best option available. The move is set to take place as early as summer 2026.