HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance Nov 5 2025Whatcom County
Council Finance and Administrative Services Committee
COUNTY COURTHOUSE
311 Grand Avenue, Ste #105
Bellingham, WA 98225-4038
(360) 778-5010
Committee Minutes - Final
Wednesday, November 5, 2025
8:30 AM
Hybrid Meeting - Council Chambers
HYBRID MEETING - ADJOURNS BY 9:45 A.M. (PARTICIPATE IN -PERSON, SEE
REMOTE JOIN INSTRUCTIONS AT www.whatcomcounty.us/joinvirtualcouncil, OR
CALL 360.778.5010); AGENDA REVISED 11.4.2025
COUNCILMEMBERS
Barry Buchanan
Tyler Byrd
Todd Donovan
CLERK OF THE COUNCIL
Cathy Halka, AICP, CMC
Council Finance and Administrative Committee Minutes - Final November 5, 2025
Services Committee
Call To Order
Roll Call
Committee Chair Todd Donovan called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m. in
a hybrid meeting.
Present: 3 - Tyler Byrd, Todd Donovan, and Barry Buchanan
Also Present: Ben Elenbaas, Kaylee Galloway, Jon Scanlon, and Mark Stremler
Announcements
Council "Consent Agenda" Items
Buchanan moved to recommend approval of Consent Agenda items one
through 21.
Councilmembers asked questions on some of the consent items.
Consent Agenda Item #2 (A)B2025-741)
Ann Beck, Health and Community Services, spoke about the funding
mechanism for this year's severe weather shelter. She stated they are
bringing forward an interlocal agreement to be able to share some of the
costs with the City of Bellingham and she spoke about a daytime warming
center that the City is also working on. She answered what the County's
projected budget will be, and stated they are expecting around the same
($450,000) as last year.
Chris D'Onofrio, Health and Community Services, stated they have a new
model this year and it is hard to predict expenses, but they could range
between $434,000 to $517,000.
Consent Agenda item # 16 (AB2025-765)
Lauren Templeton, Planning and Development Services Department,
answered how many development rights are being extinguished in this grant
agreement, and stated there are 30 and those are part of the 57 development
rights that were presented in August.
Stremler spoke about extinguishing 30 development rights and not putting
them somewhere else, and stated it is something the Council needs to
address.
Byrd stated he would like to consider Consent Agenda Item numbers 3
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(AB2025-742), 6 (AB2025-747), and 15 (AB2025-764) separately.
Consent Agenda Item #18 (AB2025-767)
Kayla Schott-Bresler, Executive's Office, spoke about what this change is
about, and stated the Port of Bellingham had been underspending the
contract and remitting money back to the partners, so this removes the City
of Bellingham's general fund contribution and lowers the total dollar
amount by that figure.
Consent Agenda Item #21 (AB2025-787)- substitute version
Randy Rydel, Administrative Services Department Finance Director,
briefed the councilmembers on what the contract is for. It will give them
software that will integrate with their accounting software and allow them to
bring real-time data from the accounting software into the budgeting
software.
Councilmembers voted on Consent item numbers 1-2, 4, 5, 7-14, and 16-21
(see votes on individual items below).
1. AB2025-740 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between
Whatcom County and Parametrix, Inc. to develop a comprehensive Subwatershed
Master Plan as an addendum to the 2008 Lake Whatcom Comprehensive
Stormwater Plan, in the amount of $298,741
Buchanan moved that the Contract be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 3 - Byrd, Donovan, and Buchanan
Nay: 0
2. AB2025-741 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement
between Whatcom County and City of Bellingham to provide partial funding for
Whatcom County's 2025-2026 Severe Weather Shelter, in the amount of $100,000
Buchanan moved that the Interlocal be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 3 - Byrd, Donovan, and Buchanan
Nay: 0
3. AB2025-742 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement
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between Whatcom County and Whatcom Fire Protection District 7 for the provision
of the Paramedic Training Program, in the amount of $345,537
THIS ITEM WAS CONSIDERED SEPARATELY BELOW
4. AB2025-743 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement
between Whatcom County and Marysville Fire District for the provision of the
paramedic training program, in the amount of $136,200
Buchanan moved that the Interlocal be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 3 - Byrd, Donovan, and Buchanan
Nay: 0
5. AB2025-744 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement
between Whatcom County and Camano Fire and Rescue for the provision of the
paramedic training program, in the amount of $55,600
Buchanan moved that the Interlocal be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 3 - Byrd, Donovan, and Buchanan
Nay: 0
6. AB2025-747 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between
Whatcom County and Geneva Consulting Services to support coordination of the
Whatcom Local Integrating Organization (LIO), in the amount of $291,068 (Council
acting as the Whatcom County Flood Control Zone District Board of Supervisors)
THIS ITEM WAS CONSIDERED SEPARATELY BELOW
7. AB2025-751 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between
Whatcom County and Compass Health to lease space within the crisis stabilization
center for the provision of mental health treatment services, in the amount of $24,000
Buchanan moved that the Agreement be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 3 - Byrd, Donovan, and Buchanan
Nay: 0
8. AB2025-752 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement
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between Whatcom County and San Juan County to provide Veteran Service Officer
services to San Juan County resident veterans, in the amount of $10,000
Buchanan moved that the Interlocal be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 3 - Byrd, Donovan, and Buchanan
Nay: 0
9. AB2025-753 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a grant agreement
between Whatcom County and the Washington State Department of Ecology to fund
administrative support and action projects for the Whatcom County Marine
Resources Committee (MRC), in the amount of $252,000 (Council acting as the
Whatcom County Flood Control Zone District Board of Supervisors)
Buchanan moved that the Contract (FCZDBS) be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 3 - Byrd, Donovan, and Buchanan
Nay: 0
10. AB2025-758 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between
Whatcom County and Pioneer Human Services to lease space within the crisis
stabilization center for the provision of withdrawal management services, in the
amount of $24,000
Buchanan moved that the Agreement be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 3 - Byrd, Donovan, and Buchanan
Nay: 0
11. AB2025-759 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement
between Whatcom County and the Washington State Department of Commerce to
receive CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) funds in support of public
services, in the amount of $130,000
Buchanan moved that the Interlocal be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 3 - Byrd, Donovan, and Buchanan
Nay: 0
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12. AB2025-760 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between
Whatcom County and Pioneer Human Services to lease space within the crisis
stabilization center for the provision of food services, in the amount of $24,000
Buchanan moved that the Agreement be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 3 - Byrd, Donovan, and Buchanan
Nay: 0
13. AB2025-762 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment
between Whatcom County and Catholic Community Services to provide permanent
supportive housing services at Francis Place, in the amount of $555,446, for a total
amended contract amount of $833,169
Buchanan moved that the Contract be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 3 - Byrd, Donovan, and Buchanan
Nay: 0
14. AB2025-763 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal cost -share
agreement between Whatcom County and the Laurel Watershed Improvement
District (LWID) for the Neevel Levee Cougar Creek Fish Passage Project, in the
amount of $I0,000 (Council acting as the Whatcom County Flood Control Zone
District Board of Supervisors)
Buchanan moved that the Contract (FCZDBS) be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 3 - Byrd, Donovan, and Buchanan
Nay: 0
15. AB2025-764 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement
between Whatcom County and the City of Bellingham for the provision of the
paramedic training program, in the amount of $1,008,442
THIS ITEM WAS CONSIDERED SEPARATELY BELOW
16. AB2025-765 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a grant agreement
between Whatcom County and Washington State Recreation and Conservation
Office Washington Wildlife and Recreation Forestland Preservation grant program for
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the acquisition of a forestry conservation easement on the Canyon Creek Forest
property through the Conservation Easement Program (CEP) in the amount of
$500,000
Buchanan moved that the Contract be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 3 - Byrd, Donovan, and Buchanan
Nay: 0
17. AB2025-766 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an agreement between
Whatcom County and Opportunity Council to pass through CDBG (Community
Development Block Grant) funds for the delivery of public services to low and
moderate income residents in the amount of $126,500
Buchanan moved that the Contract be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 3 - Byrd, Donovan, and Buchanan
Nay: 0
18. AB2025-767 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an amendment to the
Regional Economic Partnership Interlocal Cooperation Agreement between Whatcom
County, the Port of Bellingham, and the City of Bellingham to restructure financial
commitments for fiscal years 2026-2027, with no change to Whatcom County's
financial contribution
Buchanan moved that the Interlocal be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 3 - Byrd, Donovan, and Buchanan
Nay: 0
19. AB2025-775 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement
between Whatcom County and the Washington State Department of Commerce for a
grant to Whatcom County through The Local Community Projects Program for
Nooksack Water Adjudication Facility Needs, in the amount of $1,212,500
Buchanan moved that the Interlocal be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 3 - Byrd, Donovan, and Buchanan
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Nay: 0
20. AB2025-777 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a three-year agreement,
using the National Association of State Procurement Officials (NASPO) ValuePoint
Master Agreement #AR2474 and State of Washington Participating Addendum
#05116, between Whatcom County and Century Link Communications, LLC dba
Lumen Technologies Group (CenturyLink) for telecommunication access lines and
services, in the amount of $144,849
Buchanan moved that the Contract be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 3 - Byrd, Donovan, and Buchanan
Nay: 0
21. AB2025-787 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between
Whatcom County and Euna Solutions, Inc. to purchase budget and reporting software
for the financial system in the amount of $441,159.37
Ann Beck shared information about funding for the 2025-2026 severe
weather shelter
Buchanan moved that the Contract be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 3 - Byrd, Donovan, and Buchanan
Nay: 0
Council "Consent Alrenda" Items Considered Separately
3. AB2025-742 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement
between Whatcom County and Whatcom Fire Protection District 7 for the provision
of the Paramedic Training Program, in the amount of $345,537
Donovan moved that the Interlocal be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 2 - Donovan, and Buchanan
Nay: 1 - Byrd
6. AB2025-747 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between
Whatcom County and Geneva Consulting Services to support coordination of the
Whatcom Local Integrating Organization (LIO), in the amount of $291,068 (Council
acting as the Whatcom County Flood Control Zone District Board of Supervisors)
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Buchanan moved that the Contract (FCZDBS) be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: 2 - Donovan, and Buchanan
Nay: 1 - Byrd
15. AB2025-764 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement
between Whatcom County and the City of Bellingham for the provision of the
paramedic training program, in the amount of $1,008,442
Donovan moved that the Interlocal be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION.
Byrd told councilmembers to look at what we pay with this versus what we
are charging other jurisdictions. He stated the State has a list of approved
schools and curriculum published online and that list is an average of
$20,000 less. He stated they do not need to raise the EMS levy, but need to
fix the problem.
Galloway stated her worry is that there is a misconception about this. The
program is less like an associate's degree and more like an apprenticeship
in that part of the expenses go toward the salaries of individuals in the
program who are receiving on-the-job training. Whatcom County has a track
record of paramedics who stay for 30 plus years, and they also collect
revenue from the program, as it is the only one in the region.
Byrd stated it is atypical from how the rest of the state does it, and we are
paying a substantial amount more because we are doing it differently.
Donovan's motion that the Interlocal be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION carried by the following vote:
Aye: 2 - Donovan, and Buchanan
Nay: 1 - Byrd
Special Presentation
1. AB2025-755 Report from Washington State University Extension
This item was withdrawn.
This agenda item was WITHDRAWN.
Committee Discussion
1. AB2025-757 Discussion of an ordinance establishing the Opioid Settlement Fund and establishing a
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budget for the Opioid Settlement Fund
Kayla Schott-Bresler, Executive's Office, stated this is establishing a
separate fund to account for revenue and expenditures related to the opioid
settlement fund because having it in the General Fund makes it difficult to
track and report. She spoke about the process for spending the funds and
answered questions about how Council will approve related contracts.
This agenda item was DISCUSSED.
Committee Discussion and Recommendation to Council
1. AB2025-730 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a three-year contract
between Whatcom County and Correctional Healthcare Partners Inc. for the
provision of jail healthcare and juvenile detention nursing services, in the three-year
total amount of $22,896,000
Donovan stated this is a substitute version.
Buchanan moved that the SUBSTITUTE Contract be RECOMMENDED
FOR AUTHORIZATION.
The following people read from a presentation (on file) and answered
questions:
• Jill Boudreau, Executive's Office
• Kayla Schott-Bresler, Executive's Office
• Aly Pennucci, Executive's Office
They and councilmembers discussed that the Sheriff's Office will be hiring
someone to help with oversight of this work and of the contract, that the
position is already included in the adopted budget and not proposed to be
frozen, that the funding for the contract is coming from a combination of
sources and only funding the first year, that the amount coming from the
Behavioral Health Fund is the same amount that is currently funding the jail
medical services and the increased cost from the added services (included
in this contract) is coming from the General Fund, and that this was
discussed in the Behavioral Health Advisory Committee when they talked
about facilities for criminal justice and aligns with the priorities set by the
advisory group.
Buchanan's motion that the SUBSTITUTE Contract be RECOMMENDED
FOR AUTHORIZATION carried by the following vote:
Aye: 3 - Byrd, Donovan, and Buchanan
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Nay: 0
2. AB2025-770 Resolution approving the 2026 recommended convention center allocations for
tourism -related facilities and activities as defined through RCW 67.28.1816
Buchanan moved that the Resolution be RECOMMENDED FOR
APPROVAL.
Galloway spoke about the discussion on this topic at the Whatcom County
Tourism Board meeting and about projects that will be funded. She also
spoke about a decrease in funding in the next five or ten years because of
the annexation of the Holiday Inn by the airport, which provides a lot
funding.
Kayla Schott-Bresler, Executive's Office, stated the funding mix has gotten
more diverse over time, with a lot of revenue coming in through Airbnbs,
and she spoke about the allocation for Ferndale Youth Sports.
Buchanan's motion that the Resolution be RECOMMENDED FOR
APPROVAL carried by the following vote:
Aye: 3 - Byrd, Donovan, and Buchanan
Nay: 0
3. AB2025-782 Request authorization for the Whatcom County Executive's Office to enter into a
lease agreement between Whatcom County and Ryanna LLC for the lease of office
and storage space for the Sheriffs Office at 4600 Ryzex Way, Bellingham
Byrd moved that the Agreement be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION.
The following people briefed the councilmembers and answered questions:
• Rob Ney, Administrative Services Department Facilities
• Aly Pennucci, Executive's Office
• Donnell Tanksley, Sheriff
Ney briefed the councilmembers on the proposal, why the building is good
for this purpose, and the details of the lease.
Pennucci discussed with councilmembers that the total annual rent of
approximately $750,000 includes property taxes, insurance, and operating
and maintenance costs, and that some of the maintenance budget for the
current space will cover expenses beyond the base rent of the new space in
2027 and beyond. She spoke about the total contract amount and that it is a
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lower cost to the County over the eight -year life of the contract than
building a new Sheriff's Office. She and Ney answered questions about
current costs for maintenance.
Donnell Tanksley, Sheriff, spoke about the necessity of this move.
Councilmembers and the speakers discussed benefits to the County, that the
hope is to be able to move some activities from the central shop to the new
facility, that the target move -in date is hopefully next summer, things the
Sheriff s Office can do to mitigate any noise concerns from the
neighborhood, a potential option for the Planning Department employees
which the Administration hopes to have more details to share about in a few
weeks, that they need to have a budget discussion about how they are going
to pay for this over the eight years, concerns (though not questioning the
integrity of that council member or of the Council in doing this) about how
directing money to a former council member might be viewed by the public,
and that some insurance companies may offer discounts on homeowners
insurance if an officer lives in the neighborhood.
Byrd's motion that the Agreement be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION carried by the following vote:
Aye: 2 - Byrd, and Buchanan
Nay: 0
Abstain: 1 - Donovan
Items Added by Revision
Other Business
Adjournment
There were no agenda items added by revision.
There was no other business.
The meeting adjourned at 9:38 a.m.
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Council Finance and Administrative Committee Minutes - Final November 5, 2025
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ATTESTS\ ••,"•�� �/
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
C) O COUNT f WHATCOM COUNTY, WA
Todd Donovan -via email 12/16/2025
Cathy Halka, Counctl Glt•rk Todd Donovan, Committee Chair
Meeting Minutes prepared by Kristi Felbinger
Whafcom County page 12