Bellingham City Council Regular Meeting: October 5th, 2026

The Bellingham City Council’s regular meeting on October 5, 2026, included a first public hearing on the preliminary 2027 budget and discussion of several spending and service matters. The preliminary budget projects $516 million in revenue and $542 million in expenditures, including an $8 million general-fund deficit; no budget adoption or major purchasing awards occurred. Proposed capital work includes water-system improvements, wastewater and environmental projects, a Meridian/Birchwood roundabout, park and facility work, and repairs to the Commercial Street parking garage. Council also heard public comments on the proposed regional fire authority and its potential funding through a property-tax levy and fire benefit charge; a public hearing on the authority is scheduled for October 14, with a possible voter decision in February 2027.

In procurement-related action, the Budget and Finance Committee recommended extending Comcast Cable Communications Management LLC’s cable franchise for five years on the same terms as the 2011 agreement, and the council approved the extension 7–0. The council also considered an ordinance expanding home-based business allowances and exempting qualifying businesses of 500 square feet or less from transportation concurrency fees; a motion to approve was made, but the transcript does not capture the vote. No competitive bid awards or new vendor selections were identified.