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Home My WebLink About2025 - Whatcom County Charter Amendment Prop No. 3 Establishing Performance Audits - General and Special Election November 5, 2025Summary Report Page: 1 of 2 Whatcom County, Washington, GENERAL 2025, Nov 04, 2025 2025-11-24 All Precincts, All Districts, All Counter Groups, All ScanStations, WC Prop 1 Auth Councilmembers to 16:40:46 Hire Aides, WC Prop 10 Initial Rules Charter Review Comm Meetings, WC Prop 11 Adjust Sig Requirements for Charter Amend, WC Prop 12 Land Supply and Construction Cost Analysis, WC Prop 2 Establish Office Ombuds, WC Prop 3 Establishing Performance Audits, WC Prop 4 Power and Duties Elected Officials, WC Prop 5 Modifying Redistricting Process, WC Prop 6 Adjusting Signatures Required for Referendum, WC Prop 7 Prohibiting County Gov from Interfering, WC Prop 8 Modifying Budget Process, WC Prop 9 Add Accountability to Financial Reporting, All Boxes Total Ballots Cast: 76618, Re istered Voters: 169242, Overall Turnout: 45.27% Choice Votes Vote % All Precincts WC Prop 1 Auth Councilmembers to Hire Aides (Vote for 1) 76618 ballots (0 over voted ballots, 0 overvotes, 5285 undervotes), Approved 26560 37.23 ,- Reiected 4 4 / 7 3 62 7/ Total 71333 100.00% Overvotes 0 Undervotes 5285 169242 registered voters, turnout 45.27% WC Prop 2 Establish Office Ombuds (Vote for 1) 169242 registered voters, turnout 45.27% 76618 ballots (3 over voted ballots, 3 overvotes, 3421 undervotes), Approve,-, 35918 49.07% Rejected 37276 50.93% Total 73194 100.00% Overvotes 3 Undervotes 3421 WC Prop 3 Establishing Performance Audits (Vote for 1) 169242 registered voters, turnout 45.27% 76618 ballots (1 over voted ballots. 1 overvotes. 3959 undervotes), Approved 62001 85.33% Rejected 10657 14.67% Total 72658 100.00% Overvotes 1 Undervotes 3959 WC Prop 4 Power and Duties Elected Officials (Vote for 1) 169242 registered voters, turnout 45.27% 76618 ballots (1 over voted ballots, 1 overvotes, 3848 undervotes), Approved 67059 92.15% Rejected 5710 7.85% Total 72769 100.00% Overvotes 1 Undervotes 3848 WC Prop 5 Modifying Redistricting Process (Vote for 1) 169242 registered voters, turnout 45.27% 76618 ballots (4 over voted ballots, 4 overvotes, 5073 undervotes), Approved 56628 79.15% Rejected 14913 20.85% Total 71541 100.00% Overvotes 4 Undervotes 5073 WC Prop 6 Adjusting Signatures Required for Referendum (Vote for 1) 76618 ballots (1 over voted ballots. 1 overvotes, 3954 undervotes), 169242 registered voters, turnout 45.27% Approver! 33995 46.78% Rejected 38668 53.22% Total 72663 100.00% Overvotes 1 Undervotes 3954 WC Prop 7 Prohibiting County Gov from Interfering (Vote for 1) 76618 ballots (4 over voted ballots. 4 overvotes, 4582 undervotes), 169242 registered voters, turnout 45.27% Approved 43647 60.59% Rejected 28385 39.41% Summary Report Page: 2 of 2 Whatcom County, Washington, GENERAL 2025, Nov 04, 2025 2025-11-24 All Precincts, All Districts, All Counter Groups, All ScanStations, WC Prop 1 Auth Councilmembers to 16:40:46 Hire Aides, WC Prop 10 Initial Rules Charter Review Comm Meetings, WC Prop 11 Adjust Sig Requirements for Charter Amend, WC Prop 12 Land Supply and Construction Cost Analysis, WC Prop 2 Establish Office Ombuds, WC Prop 3 Establishing Performance Audits, WC Prop 4 Power and Duties Elected Officials, WC Prop 5 Modifying Redistricting Process, WC Prop 6 Adjusting Signatures Required for Referendum, WC Prop 7 Prohibiting County Gov from Interfering, WC Prop 8 Modifying Budget Process, WC Prop 9 Add Accountability to Financial Reporting, All Boxes Total Ballots Cast: 76618 Re istered Voters: 169242. Overall Turnout: 45.27% _ Choice Votes Vote % Total 72032 100.00% Overvotes 4 Undervotes 4582 WC Prop 8 Modifying Budget Process (Vote for 1) 76618 ballots (2 over voted ballots, 2 overvotes, 4117 undervotes), 169242 registered voters, turnout 45.27% Approved 67706 93.39% Rejected 4793 6.61 % Total 72499 100,00% Overvotes 2 Undervotes 4117 WC Prop 9 Add Accountability to Financial Reporting (Vote for 1) 76618 ballots (1 over voted ballots, 1 overvotes, 3830 undervotes), 169242 registered voters, turnout 45.27% Approved 67942 93.34% Rejected 4845 6.66% Total 72787 100.00% Overvotes 1 Undervotes 3830 WC Prop 10 Initial Rules Charter Review Comm Meetings (Vote for 1) 76618 ballots (3 over voted ballots, 3 overvotes, 6455 undervotes), 169242 registered voters, turnout 45.27% Approved 58991 84.08% Rejected 11169 15.92% Total 70160 100.00% Overvotes 3 Undervotes 6455 WC Prop 11 Adjust Sig Requirements for Charter Amend (Vote for 1) 76618 ballots (4 over voted ballots. 4 overvotes, 6701 undervotes), 169242 registered voters, turnout 45.27% Approved 28650 40.98% Rejected 41263 59.02% Total 69913 100.00% Overvotes 4 Undervotes 6701 WC Prop 12 Land Supply and Construction Cost Analysis (Vote for 1) 76618 ballots (2 over voted ballots, 2 overvotes, 6275 undervotes), 169242 registered voters, turnout 45.27% Approved 61134 86.91 % Rejected 9207 13.09% Total 70341 100.00% Overvotes 2 Undervotes 6275 STATE OF WASHINGTON ) ) ss COUNTY OF WHATCOM ) A canvass of the votes cast by qualified voters in Whatcom County for the district's submitted ballot measure for the November 4, 2025 Special Election is complete. The results of the election were duly canvassed by the Whatcom County Canvassing Board on November 25, 2025, and the results of said canvass are above. Dated this 2nd day of December, 2025, Bellingham, Whatcom County, Washington. Stacy Henthorn County Auditor Proposition No 3 - Establishing Performance Audits Ballot Title The Whatcom County Charter Review Commission has proposed an amendment to the Whatcom County Charter to establish a process for performance audits. This measure would amend Article 2 of the Whatcom County Charter to require the County Council establish a county performance auditing process to review, evaluate, and report on various aspects of county government. This process would be conducted by an independent contractor. The process would begin by January 1, 2027 and be performed afterwards as needed. The County Executive would be required to make a report to Council about the implementation of recommendations from the performance audit. Should this proposal be: Approved Rejected Explanatory Statement Currently, there is no provision in the County Charter for performance audits. If adopted, this Amendment would require the County Council to establish a performance auditing process for the purpose of reviewing the integrity of the county's financial management system, the accuracy of financial record keeping, compliance with applicable laws, and the efficiency of operations. This process will start by 2027, and will be performed by an independent contractor in accordance with accepted auditing standards. Starting in 2029, and every two years after that, the Executive must report to the Council on the implementation of recommendations from performance audits. Amending Language New Section: 2.70 Performance Audits The County Council may conduct or cause to be conducted audits of financial operations of the county government or any portion thereof. The Council may conduct or cause to be conducted periodic performance and program audits to review the effectiveness and efficiency of the programs and operations of the county. Annual audits shall continue to be performed by the state in accordance with general law. Performance audits will be conducted with the goal of transparently, effectively, and responsibly stewarding public resources. New Section: 2.80 Performance Auditing Process The County Council shall establish by ordinance within the legislative branch an independent county_ performance auditing process for the purpose of reviewing evaluating and reporting on the integrity of the county's financial management system, the accuracy of financial record keeping compliance with applicable laws policies guidelines and procedures, and the efficiency and effectiveness of operations and programs The process shall commence functioning no later than January 1 2027 and shall contain the responsibilities expressed in this section as well as those established by ordinance Performance auditing shall be conducted via open competitive and transparent service contracts in accordance with RCW 39.26. Selected contractors shall have appropriate professional credentials legal authority for access to records adequate funding and shall use generally accepted accounting/auditing standards Selected contractors shall adhere to Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards promulgated by the United States Government Accountability Office, in conducting Page 5 District Name: Whatcom County District Address: Contact Person 1 Whatcom County Auditor's Office Ballot Measure Coversheet 311 Grand Ave., Bellingham WA 98225 Jenna Gernand, Legislative Coordinator Name & Title 360-778-5017, jgernand@co.whatcom.wa.us Phone & email Kellen Kooistra Name 360-778-5751, kkooistr@co.whatcom.wa.us Phone & email Resolution with original signatures or a certified copy Explanatory Statement prepared by your attorney, not to exceed 100 words Committee Appointment Forms separate forms for each committee Completed Ballot Measure Coversheet Auditor's Office Use Received In ;�erNn --:iIG 0 5 2025 Whatcom Counrty Elections Proposition/initiative N I Deputy Auditor's Signal i Contact Person 2 i Kirsten Smith, Deputy Clerk Name &Title 360-778-5015, ksmith@co.whatcom.wa.us Phone & email Has your attorney prepared this ballot measure? IF Yes O No Yes 0 No Yes (D No Yes 0 No LJ Yes (D No Missing document(s): I understand that the submittal deadline date for the missing documents is and the Auditor's Office will not begin processing this ballot measure until all documents have been submitted. Presenter's Signature Reviewed 12/12/2023 CLERK OF THE COUNCIL Cathy Halka, AICP, CMC COUNTY COURTHOUSE 311 Grand Avenue, Suite #105 Bellingham, WA 98225-4038 (360) 778-5010 WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL July 29, 2025 MEMORANDUM To: County Auditor Stacy Henthorn From: Kaylee Galloway, Council Chair RE: Submittal of 2025 Charter Review Commission Amendments COUNCILMEMBERS Barry Buchanan Tyler Byrd Todd Donovan Ben Elenbaas Kaylee Galloway Jon Scanlon Mark Stremler The County Council, at its July 22, 2025 meeting, voted 7-0 to receive the amendments put forward by the Charter Review Commission and submit them to the Auditor's office for the Nov. 4, 2025 General Election. Senior Deputy Prosecutor Kellen Kooistra wrote ballot titles and explanatory statements for the amendments, with input from the Charter Review Commission. Cc: Cathy Halka, Clerk of the Council Attachment: 2025 Proposed Charter Amendments COUNTY COURTHOUSE 311 Grand Avenue, Suite #105 Bellingham, WA 98225-4038 (360)778-5010 S 21 WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL CLERK'S CERTIFICATE CLERK OF THE COUNCIL Cathy Halka, AICP, CIVIC For AB2025-507: Receipt of the Whatcom County Charter Review Commission's proposed amendments to Whatcom County voters and submittal to the Auditor I, the undersigned, duly chosen, qualified, and acting Clerk of the County Council of Whatcom County, Washington, and keeper of the records of the County Council (hereinafter referred to as "Council"), DO HEREBY CERTIFY: 1. The attached record of the Whatcom County Council, AB2025-507, is a true and correct copy of the original file, consisting of 21 pages, as maintained and duly recorded in my office pursuant to RCW 36.22.010(6), 36.32.140; 2. Said file is maintained in all respects in accordance with law, and that the content of the file has not, to the best of my knowledge, been altered; 3. 1 am authorized as Clerk of the Whatcom County Council to execute this certificate. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of the Whatcom County Council, this 28 day of July, 2025. WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL WHATCOM COUNTY WASHINGTON ��\l�lll.+lirrrr�� co 0 • CatlxyCO UN Cler�C of jhe Council - i ••°-tr��11�1�� o• ` J, ° G COUNTY COURTHOUSE p4m CO 311 Grand Avenue, Suite #105 z� Bellingham, WA 98225-4038 (360)778-5010 �q �kf �y4 WHATCOM COUNTY CHARTER REVIEW COMMISSION TO: Whatcom County Council FROM: 2025 Whatcom County Charter Review Commission DATE: July 10, 2025 RE: Charter Review Commission Recommended Amendments to Voters Liz Darrow, Chair Jennifer Wright, Vice -Chair The Whatcom County Charter Review Commission recommends twelve (12) Charter amendments to the voters for the November 4, 2025 General Election. Please forward these amendments to the Whatcom County Auditor per Charter Section 8.20. The full text of the amendments and expanatory statements follow. Liz Darrow, Chair Approved via text 7.14.25/ks Jennifer Wright, Vice -Chair District 1: Liz Darrow, Joel Pitts -Jordan, Andrew Reding; District 2: Eamonn Collins, Colton Kaltenfeldt, Maya Morales; District 3: Doug Chadwick, Jessica Rienstra, Jennifer Wright; District 4: Joe Elenbaas, Brad Kelly Hannah Ordos; District 5: Lindsey Graham Elenbaas, Jon Mutchler, Rod Stump Proposition No. 3 - Establishing Performance Audits Ballot Title The Whatcom County Charter Review Commission has proposed an amendment to the Whatcom County Charter to establish a process for performance audits. This measure would amend Article 2 of the Whatcom County Charter to require the County Council establish a county performance auditing process to review, evaluate, and report on various aspects of county government. This process would be conducted by an independent contractor. The process would begin by January 1, 2027 and be performed afterwards as needed. The County Executive would be required to make a report to Council about the implementation of recommendations from the performance audit. Should this proposal be: Approved Rejected Explanatory Statement Currently, there is no provision in the County Charter for performance audits. If adopted, this Amendment would require the County Council to establish a performance auditing process for the purpose of reviewing the integrity of the county's financial management system, the accuracy of financial record keeping, compliance with applicable laws, and the efficiency of operations. This process will start by 2027, and will be performed by an independent contractor in accordance with accepted auditing standards. Starting in 2029, and every two years after that, the Executive must report to the Council on the implementation of recommendations from performance audits. Amending Language New Section: 2.70 Performance Audits The County Council may conduct or cause to be conducted audits of financial operations of the county government or any portion thereof. The Council may conduct or cause to be conducted periodic performance and r❑ ram audits to review the effectiveness and efficient of the programs and operations of the county. Annual audits small continue to be performed by the state in accordance with Qeneral law. Performance audits _will conducted with the goal of transparently, effectively, and responsibly stewarding public resources. New Section: 2.80 Performance Auditing Process The County Council shall establish by ordinance within the legislative branch an independent county performance auditing process for the ur ase of reviewing, evaluatincl, and reporting on the integrity of the count 's financial management system, the accuracy of financial record keeping, compliance with applicable lawspolicies, guidelines, and procedures and the efficiency and effectiveness of operations and ro rams. The rocess shall commence functioning no later than January 1 2027 and shall contain the responsibilities expressed_ in this section as well as those established by ordinance. Performance auditing shall be conducted via open, competitive, and transparent service contracts in accordance with RCW 39.26. Selected contractors shall have appropriate rofessional credentiais legal authority for access to records ade uate fundin and shall use eneral) acre ted atcountin auditin standards. Selected contractors shall adhere to General) Acce ted Government Auditing Standards, promulgated by the United States Government Accountability Office, in conductinat Page 5 their work and shall be considered independent as defined by those standards. Performance audits shall be conducted on an as -needed basis. Beginning-januaEY i 2029 and biennial) thereafter, the County Executive shall report back to the Council on the im iementation of approved performance audit recommendations including achieved cost -savings and expected return on investment. Page 6