# Bellingham City Council Regular Meeting: October 19th, 2026

The Bellingham City Council regular meeting was held October 19, 2026. The council approved a relinquishment of a public utility easement at Otis Street 7–0, clearing the way for a six-townhome development with frontage improvements. It also approved 7–0 an ordinance requiring permits for certain private Lake Whatcom boat launches and a resolution establishing permit fees, to help prevent aquatic invasive species; no fee amount was stated. The consent agenda, which included acceptance of a Justice Grant and authorization related to its grant agreement, passed 7–0. No competitive solicitation, vendor selection, or contract award was identified. A public commenter raised concerns about management of a seven-year, $1 million supportive-housing contract for 22 North, but the council took no action on those allegations.

The council held a public hearing on the proposed 2027 budget’s revenue sources, including the administration’s proposed 1% property-tax increase. A motion on the increase was withdrawn/deferred for consideration at the November 2 meeting; the council made no final decision on it. Staff also discussed an approximately $8 million budget gap and possible service and staffing reductions if the Regional Fire Authority proposal fails, as well as potential uses of funds if it passes. These were informational discussions, not spending approvals. The council passed resolutions supporting a rental-market algorithmic-pricing initiative and opposing two other ballot initiatives, and approved several ordinances, including changes to ambulance rates and a Comcast cable franchise.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Construction & Infrastructure, Public Safety
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure, Grants & Funding
**Published:** October 20, 2026

### Sources
- [Bellingham City Council Regular Meeting: October 19th, 2026](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SRPJ9Jjogg) - City of Bellingham, Washington