Bellingham City Council Committee Meetings: September 28th, 2026

At Bellingham City Council committee meetings on September 28, 2026, the committee approved an indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for on-call overwater maintenance and repair services, Bid No. 46B-2026. And Boss Construction of Bellingham was identified as the lowest responsive bidder, at approximately $101,829.25. The committee also approved an amendment to the Whatcom County advanced life support agreement reflecting a 5.1% rate increase (4.1% CPI plus 1%), and an interlocal agreement covering per-student costs for paramedic training. Members approved an interlocal agreement to collaborate on a potential regional multi-agency public safety training facility; officials said it commits no city funds at this stage, while a $250,000 feasibility-study request is being pursued through the state capital budget.

The council received the proposed 2027 preliminary budget, which was presented as a bridge budget pending a possible regional fire authority. It projects $130 million in general-fund revenue against $138 million in expenses, an $8 million deficit, and $542 million in citywide expenditures, with reserve use anticipated. Proposed investments include water and wastewater work, waterfront remediation, and other capital repairs. Staff also said an RFP for public defender services is expected in the coming weeks, with costs potentially requiring a later budget adjustment. The budget was introduced for further review, not adopted.