HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance Feb 10 2026Whatcom County
Council Finance and Administrative Services Committee
COUNTY COURTHOUSE
311 Grand Avenue, Ste #105
Bellingham, WA 98225-4038
(360) 778-5010
Committee Minutes - Final
Tuesday, February 10, 2026
9:35 AM
Hybrid Meeting - Council Chambers
HYBRID MEETING - ADJOURNS BY 10:55 A.M. (PARTICIPATE IN -PERSON,
SEE REMOTE JOIN INSTRUCTIONS AT www.whatcomcounty.us/joinvirtualcouncil,
OR CALL 360.778.5010); AGENDA REVISION 2.9.2026
COUNCILMEMBERS
Elizabeth Boyle
Bang Buchanan
Ben Elenbaas
Kaylee Galloway
Jessica Rienstra
Jon Scanlon
Mark Stremler
CLERK OF THE COUNCIL
Cathy Halka, AICP, CMC
Council Finance and Administrative Committee Minutes - Final February 10, 2026
Services Committee
Call To Order
Roll Call
Committee Chair Jon Scanlon called the meeting to order at 9:51 a.m. in a
hybrid meeting.
Present: 7 - Elizabeth Boyle, Barry Buchanan, Ben Elenbaas, Kaylee Galloway, Jessica
Rienstra, Jon Scanlon, and Mark Stremler
Announcements
Council "Consent Agenda" Items
Scanlon stated that Consent Agenda item number 11 was withdrawn from
the agenda so they would be considering items 1-10 and 12-13.
Galloway moved to recommend approval of Consent Agenda item numbers
1-10, and 12-13.
The motion was seconded by Buchanan.
Elenbaas stated he would like to vote on Consent Agenda item numbers 8,
12, and 13 separately.
Stremler asked questions on Consent Agenda number 6.
Consent Agenda #6 (AB2026-117)
Champ Thomaskutty, Health and Community Services Director, answered
whether the Health Department is there to connect with people who come
to participate in a needle exchange, and stated yes, that is the goal. He
answered if they track how many people participate in the needle exchange
program, how many are offered help, and how many respond and follow
through, and stated they track the engagements but not necessarily who
followed through.
Malora Christensen, Health and Community Services, stated since the
program is co -located with the Way Station it allows people to connect to
other services.
Stremler stated he would like to vote on item number 6 separately.
Councilmembers voted on the Consent Agenda item numbers 1-5, 7, 9, and
10 (see votes on individual items below).
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Council Finance and Administrative Committee Minutes - Final February 10, 2026
Services Committee
1. AB2026-060 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement
between Whatcom County and Snohomish County Department of Emergency
Management to utilize State Homeland Security Grant Program funding to sustain and
enhance Division of Emergency Management programs, in the amount of $47,479
Galloway moved and Buchanan seconded that the Interlocal be
RECOMMENDED FOR AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion
carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
2. AB2026-068 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement
between Whatcom County and the Port of Bellingham for Fairhaven Marine Industrial
Park Infrastructure Improvements, in the amount of $3,000,000
Galloway moved and Buchanan seconded that the Interlocal be
RECOMMENDED FOR AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion
carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
3. AB2026-069 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement
between Whatcom County and the City of Bellingham for the What -Comm
Communications Center in support of reimbursement for 911 capital equipment
expenses in the amount of $94,107
Galloway moved and Buchanan seconded that the Interlocal be
RECOMMENDED FOR AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion
carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
4. AB2026-092 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement
between Whatcom County and the City of Bellingham to affirm and jointly agree to
the terms of financial support for the Whatcom Racial Equity Commission in 2026,
including a financial commitment by the County in an amount not to exceed $50,000
and a financial commitment by the City in an amount not to exceed $100,000
Galloway moved and Buchanan seconded that the Interlocal be
RECOMMENDED FOR AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion
carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler
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Nay: 0
5. AB2026-116 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment
between Whatcom County and the Washington State Department of Transportation
to obligate federal Ferry Boat Program funds for the Lummi Island Ferry operating
costs, in the amount of $1,920,916 for a total amended contract amount of
$3,596,616
Galloway moved and Buchanan seconded that the Interlocal be
RECOMMENDED FOR AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion
carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
6. AB2026-117 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement
amendment between Whatcom County and Washington State Department of Health
to provide funding for various public health services in the amount of $166,766, for a
total amended agreement amount of $11,128,322
This item was considered separately below.
7. AB2026-122 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract between
Whatcom County and North Sound Behavioral Health Administrative Services
Organization to recognize and allocate revenue to Whatcom County for its
participation in the North Sound Integrated Care Network, in the amount of
$725,761.41
Galloway moved and Buchanan seconded that the Contract be
RECOMMENDED FOR AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion
carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
8. AB2026-123 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an agreement between
Whatcom County and Whatcom Land Trust to provide pass -through grant funding
from the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office for the purchase of
Phase 1 of the Stewart Mountain Community Forest, in the amount of $665,402
This item was considered separately below.
9. AB2026-127 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment
between Whatcom County and Washington Initiative for Supported Employment to
provide developmental disabilities -related training and technical assistance services in
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the amount of $20,000, for a total amended contract amount of $59,500
Galloway moved and Buchanan seconded that the Contract be
RECOMMENDED FOR AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion
carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
10. AB2026-133 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a contract amendment
between Whatcom County and King Architecture, PLLC for additional design and
electrical engineering services for the Van Zandt Community Hall renovation, in the
amount of $13,540 for a total amended contract amount of $132,394
Galloway moved and Buchanan seconded that the Contract be
RECOMMENDED FOR AUTHORIZATION BY CONSENT. The motion
carried by the following vote:
Aye: 7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
11. AB2026-137 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a Collective Bargaining
Agreement between Whatcom County and Professional and Technical Employees,
Local 17 for the period January 1, 2026 - December 31, 2028
This agenda item was WITHDRAWN.
12. AB2026-142 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a purchase agreement
between Whatcom County and Western Washington University for the purchase of
property located at 333 32nd Street, Bellingham WA (Tax Parcel No.
370306340528), in the amount of $8,056,584
This item was considered separately below.
13. AB2026-147 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a lease agreement
between Whatcom County and Western Washington University (WWU) for WWU's
use of the facility located at 333 32nd Street, Bellingham WA for two years, revenue
amount of $174,878
This item was considered separately below.
Council "Consent Agenda" Items Considered Separately
6. AB2026-117 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an interlocal agreement
amendment between Whatcom County and Washington State Department of Health
to provide funding for various public health services in the amount of $166,766, for a
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Services Committee
total amended agreement amount of $11,128,322
Galloway moved and Boyle seconded that the Interlocal be
RECOMMENDED FOR AUTHORIZATION.
Councilmembers discussed the motion, ethical challenges with helping
someone use drugs safely, that these are evidence -based and proven
methods, and that it is an opportunity for health services to make a
connection in the absence of the ability to do other things.
Galloway's motion that the Interlocal be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION carried by the following vote:
Aye: 6 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, and Scanlon
Nay: 1 - Stremler
8. AB2026-123 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into an agreement between
Whatcom County and Whatcom Land Trust to provide pass -through grant funding
from the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office for the purchase of
Phase 1 of the Stewart Mountain Community Forest, in the amount of $665,402
Galloway moved and Buchanan seconded that the Contract be
RECOMMENDED FOR AUTHORIZATION.
Elenbaas and Stremler spoke about their concerns, general opposition to the
entire project, that maybe there is a better use for money in our county
(such as flooding issues), and that managing a property like this does not
seem like a fundamental role of Whatcom County.
Gary Stoyka, Public Works Department, spoke about the purchase of Phase
1 in 2022 and stated the purchase of that property is mostly for preservation
and not for actual ongoing logging, although that has not completely been
determined yet. He spoke about the funding for the property and stated this
is the agreement that passes the money to the Whatcom Land Trust through
the County, and the Council will have a role in a governance board which
will be established for both Phasel and Phase 2.
Galloway's motion that the Contract be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Boyle, Buchanan, Galloway, Rienstra, and Scanlon
Nay: 2 - Elenbaas, and Stremler
12. AB2026-142 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a purchase agreement
between Whatcom County and Western Washington University for the purchase of
property located at 333 32nd Street, Bellingham WA (Tax Parcel No.
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Services Committee
370306340528), in the amount of $8,056,584
Galloway moved and Scanlon seconded that the Contract be
RECOMMENDED FOR AUTHORIZATION.
Elenbaas stated this building should not be a viable option to house the
Planning and Development Services Department since it is not near any of
the people or parcels or projects that it is serving, and that projects should
not all be done online, so this is just another thing that does not take into
consideration the public service aspect of what the County is doing.
Galloway stated she believes the pros of this decision far outweigh the cons
and she spoke about those.
Stremler stated he has received some pushback from the public on the
location.
Mark Personius, Planning and Development Services Department Director,
answered how many in -person visits are happening at the NW Annex site,
and stated a couple of dozen a week, but many permit applicants are using
the web portal. He answered if there are any mitigation efforts being looked
at to offload the weight this would put on people who would have to make a
longer trip to go in person. He spoke about alternative ways for people to
communicate with Planning staff, including phone calls, emails, and Zoom
meetings.
Elenbaas stated he thinks most people would prefer to have a choice of how
they interact with Planning, and he thinks there are other options for a
location than just this building.
Kayla Schott-Bresler, Executive's Office, spoke about immediate needs
they would need to invest in the NW Annex building if this building is not
approved and that they need to weigh those considerations. She stated,
though Planning would be the first occupant in the new building, this would
be a key strategy in freeing up space in the courthouse to speed up the
criminal justice process.
Galloway's motion that the Contract be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Boyle, Buchanan, Galloway, Rienstra, and Scanlon
Nay: 2 - Elenbaas, and Stremler
13. AB2026-147 Request authorization for the County Executive to enter into a lease agreement
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between Whatcom County and Western Washington University (WWU) for WWU's
use of the facility located at 333 32nd Street, Bellingham WA for two years, revenue
amount of $174,878
Galloway moved and Boyle seconded that the Agreement be
RECOMMENDED FOR AUTHORIZATION.
Elenbaas stated he is not going to support it and thinks that the rent is too
cheap.
Rob Ney, Administrative Services Department Facilities, stated when they
were introduced to this property it was for rent by commercial real estate
brokers at this rate, so in the negotiation process, the County said they
could just adopt that rent.
Galloway's motion that the Agreement be RECOMMENDED FOR
AUTHORIZATION carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Boyle, Buchanan, Galloway, Rienstra, and Scanlon
Nay: 2 - Elenbaas, and Stremler
Committee Discussion
AB2026-135 Discussion of an ordinance amending the project budget for the Courthouse Building
Envelope Fund, request no. 7
Scanlon stated all the discussion items are associated with ordinances on
tonight's agenda for introduction.
Rob Ney, Administrative Services Department Facilities, spoke about the
total cumulative cost of the project over the last five or six years and he
answered questions. He stated they should finish this project around 2029
and then will have to start some of that maintenance again to keep it going.
They are trying to keep it on track so they need to spend less each year.
This agenda item was DISCUSSED.
2. AB2026-144 Discussion of an ordinance establishing the Ferndale Senior Activity Center
Improvements Fund and establishing an initial budget for the Ferndale Senior Activity
Center Improvements Fund
Bennett Knox, Parks and Recreation Department Director, answered a
question about the relationship that the County has with this senior center in
comparison to the others, and stated there are differences among the
different centers. Ferndale is unique in that the City of Ferndale owns the
grounds but the County is responsible for the maintenance of the building.
He answered when the workgroup is set to come to a conclusion, and stated
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the workgroup, which is a group of representatives from different agencies
and cities formed to examine the structure that we have in place for senior
centers in the community and make recommendations, will be done in July.
Elenbaas spoke about his appreciation for the services the senior centers
provide.
Stremler stated he wants to make sure all the centers have the same
opportunities.
This agenda item was DISCUSSED.
3. AB2026-146 Discussion of an ordinance amending the 2026 Whatcom County Budget, request no.
4, in the amount of $1,804,963
Scanlon stated there is a substitute summary in the packet for the ordinance.
Randy Rydel, Administrative Services Department Finance Director,
briefed the councilmembers on the substitute summary and the budget
request. He stated the substitute summary includes updated budgeted
expenditures for 2026 based on approved continuing appropriations from
2025. He stated, with the latest Charter amendments, there was a new
amendment that was presented related to Charter section 6.41 (financial
reporting). It imposed a six -week (after the end of a quarter) deadline for
providing Council with a quarterly report. That works for most of the
quarters, but the year-end report has never hit that deadline. The Charter
amendment says that if Finance does not have that report to them by the due
date (which is today), no supplemental budget appropriations (with a few
exceptions) may be approved by the Council. They are looking into those
exceptions and it will not affect any of today's budget actions, but it may
affect some that are brought at the next Council meeting. He stated he will
be working with the Prosecuting Attorney on that to get some clarity on
what it means and whether they will be bringing some recommended
amendments to the ordinance before it is passed at the next meeting. He
stated that in the last four years or so, the year-end quarterly reports have
been issued about mid- to late April and he does not know if this Charter
amendment considered that.
Scanlon stated this is a new requirement and they will need to see how it
works this year then discuss potential options.
This agenda item was DISCUSSED.
4. AB2026-148 Discussion of an ordinance establishing the project budget for the Strawberry
Point/Lake Whatcom Boulevard stormwater improvements, request no. 1
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There were no questions on this ordinance.
This agenda item was DISCUSSED.
Committee Discussion and Recommendation to Council
1. AB2026-094 Ordinance closing the Northwest Annex Redevelopment Fund
February 10, 2026
Galloway moved and Boyle seconded that the Ordinance be
RECOMMENDED FOR ADOPTION. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 5 - Boyle, Buchanan, Galloway, Rienstra, and Scanlon
Nay: 2 - Elenbaas, and Stremler
2. AB2026-098 Ordinance amending the project budget for the Hovander Park Building
Improvements Project, request no. 4
Buchanan moved and Galloway seconded that the Ordinance be
RECOMMENDED FOR ADOPTION. The motion carried by the following
vote:
Aye: 7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
3. AB2026-104 Ordinance establishing the 32nd Street Property Acquisition Fund and establishing an
initial budget for the 32nd Street Property Acquisition Fund
Scanlon stated there is a substitute ordinance.
Galloway moved and Buchanan seconded that the SUBSTITUTE Ordinance
be RECOMMENDED FOR ADOPTION. The motion carried by the
following vote:
Aye: 5 - Boyle, Buchanan, Galloway, Rienstra, and Scanlon
Nay: 2 - Elenbaas, and Stremler
4. AB2026-100 Ordinance establishing the Glacier Restroom Improvements Fund and establishing an
initial budget for the Glacier Restroom Improvements Fund
Galloway moved and Boyle seconded that the Ordinance be
RECOMMENDED FOR ADOPTION.
Kayla Schott-Bresler, Executive's Office, answered if bathrooms in Birch
Bay are also in the plan and stated they were.
Galloway's motion that the Ordinance be RECOMMENDED FOR
ADOPTION carried by the following vote:
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Aye: 7 - Boyle, Buchanan, Elenbaas, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 0
5. AB2026-102 Ordinance amending the project budget for the New Public Health, Safety and Justice
Facility, request no. 10
Galloway moved and Buchanan seconded that the Ordinance be
RECOMMENDED FOR ADOPTION.
Elenbaas stated he would like to see exactly what they are building first and
what the plan is before voting yes on this money.
Galloway's motion that the Ordinance be RECOMMENDED FOR
ADOPTION carried by the following vote:
Aye: 6 - Boyle, Buchanan, Galloway, Rienstra, Scanlon, and Stremler
Nay: 1 - Elenbaas
6. AB2026-110 Ordinance amending the 2026 Whatcom County Budget, request no. 3, in the amount
of $7,123,065
Galloway moved and Scanlon seconded that the Ordinance be
RECOMMENDED FOR ADOPTION.
Gary Stoyka, Public Works Department, answered if the money for Stewart
Mountain is in this item, and stated that is correct.
Scanlon asked if the items in this budget ordinance are under a different
quarterly report deadline than the budget request number four (AB2026-146
which will be dependent on the year-end report for 2025).
Kayla Schott-Bresler, Executive's Office, stated everything listed here in
terms of committee discussion and recommendation to Council is OK to
proceed. It is items for introduction for which the deadline could create an
issue.
Galloway's motion that the Ordinance be RECOMMENDED FOR
ADOPTION carried by the following vote:
Aye: 5 - Boyle, Buchanan, Galloway, Rienstra, and Scanlon
Nay: 2 - Elenbaas, and Stremler
Items Added by Revision
There were no agenda items added by revision.
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Council Finance and Administrative Committee Minutes - Final
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Other Business
Adjournment
There was no other business.
The meeting adjourned at 10:54 a.m.
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February 10, 2026
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WHATCOM COUNTY, WA
Jon Scanlon -via email 2/21/2026
Jon Scanlon, Committee Chair
Meeting Minutes prepared by Kristi Felbinger
H%atcom County Page 11