The Tally Subscribe
No. 01 · Monday, Oct. 12, 2026

This week

What's up for a vote, what it costs, and every meeting where a decision moves, with times, places and calendar links.

Oct. 13–22$6.8M up for a final vote9 meetingsAgendas as of Oct. 10

The docket: what's up for a vote

BaselineFirst issue. From the next issue on, this shows what changed.

$6.8Min Whatcom County spending up for a final vote Oct. 13, counting only items whose agenda states an amount.
On the consent agenda (one vote, no discussion unless pulled)$4.36M · 64%
Discussed individually$2.47M · 36%
9final votes scheduled, plus one item held in committee
22items introduced, with votes to come
$1.93Min introduced budget changes

The largest item is a $3.77 million contract helping 16 homeowners raise their homes under the County's second home elevation grant, on the Finance Committee's consent agenda. Next largest: $2.47 million in state money for five sheriff's deputies and the LEAD diversion program.

Counted so far: the Whatcom County Council and its committees. Bellingham City Council and Port of Bellingham agendas for Oct. 19–20 aren't posted yet and join the next issue. Several budget items don't list an amount, so $6.8 million is a floor.

As of Oct. 10, 2026. Our agenda ledger, built from the County's official agenda records. Updated every issue. Method

Every meeting, Oct. 13–22

13Tue
All day · Bellingham

Kratom sales ban takes effect.

1:00 p.m. · County Council, 311 Grand Ave. or online

Scope of the new Behavioral Care Center, and the framework for paying back the new jail.

6:00 p.m. · County Council

Budget amendment, fund closures, the advisory group residency change, county zoning changes and Guide Meridian cannabis. Public comment at open session.

What's on the County's Oct. 13 agendas, in dollars
$3.77M

Contract to raise 16 flood-prone homes under the second home elevation grant.Consent · final

$2.47M

State training commission money for five sheriff's deputies, the LEAD diversion program, an emergency management job and staff wellness.Discussed · final

$1.87M

Mid-year amendment to the 2026 county budget, request No. 14.Introduced

$585K

Winter overnight shelter contract with Road2Home.Consent · final

Not yet set

Framework for how the county and cities split repayment of the new jail.Discussion

Closing

The county's Low-Income Housing fund, plus two stormwater project funds.Introduced

Amending

Lummi Island ferry replacement budget, and the 2027–2032 water resources project list.Introduced

Awarding

2026 hotel tax grants to tourism groups.Resolution

Source: County Council agendas, Oct. 13

Appointments on the County's Oct. 13 agendas

One appointment to the Public Health Advisory Board (three applicants). Applications received for a Board of Equalization seat (Council District 1, 3 or 5) and a Drainage District 20 board seat; both stay open until 10 a.m. Oct. 20.

14Wed
7:30 a.m. · 2221 Pacific St. or online

Greenways and Parks advisory boards consider merging.

2:00 p.m. · Halleck St. & B St.

Middle housing walking tour of the Lettered Streets, led by the City's planning director.

3:30 p.m. · WCOG, 314 E. Champion St. or online

Public hearing on the region's 2027 transportation project list.

15Thu
10:00 a.m. · Bellingham City Council Chambers

City staff explain the new state housing laws and next year's code changes.

5:00 p.m. · Deming Library

County Council community conversation with two council members.

6:00 p.m. · Bellingham Planning Commission

Agenda posts on the City's meetings site.

22Thu
Time to be announced · County Planning Commission

Workshop on stream buffers for the critical areas rewrite.

Twice a week

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