Bellingham City Council Regular Meeting: January 26th, 2026

The Bellingham City Council held a regular meeting on January 26, 2026, where several procurement and budget-related matters were discussed and approved. Key procurement actions included awarding a $5,982,000 contract to Earthwork Solutions LLC for street improvements as part of the Oldtown redevelopment project, funded through a combination of county grants, local real estate excise tax, and transportation funds. The council also approved a franchise ordinance granting NFC Northwest LLC the right to operate a fiber optic broadband network in city rights of way under standard non-exclusive terms. Additionally, the council accepted two significant state grants: approximately $1 million from the Washington State Department of Commerce for the Bellingham Central Library Interior Renovation Project, and a $2 million appropriation for renovations and safety upgrades at the Recreation and Aquatic Center. A resolution was passed to increase green fees at the Lake Padden Golf Course by about 5% to cover rising operational costs. The council also approved the creation of a second full-time municipal judge position to address increased caseloads. Finally, the council ratified a four-month extension of the collective bargaining agreement with the police lieutenants union, including a 6% increase in the city's medical insurance contribution. These actions reflect ongoing capital improvement projects, vendor contract awards, grant acceptance, and budget adjustments to support city services and infrastructure.