Editor’s Note: Story updated at 6:28 p.m. on 9/30/26 to include additional information from the Bellingham City Council meeting.
BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Bellingham residents have a chance to get a first look at next year’s budget.
Mayor Kim Lund and city staff introduced the 2027 preliminary budget at the Bellingham City Council meeting on Monday, Sept. 28.
The $543 million proposed budget would maintain the same services and programs as 2026 after the city saw reduced staff and service levels in the last budget.
Lund said in a memo to the council that the city’s current levels of service are “unsustainable” without new sources of revenue.
In order to avoid any future cuts, the city is depending on funding generated from a potential Regional Fire Authority (RFA) with Whatcom County Fire District 8.
An RFA would put the fire department in its own taxing district and would be estimated to raise up to $60 million annually. Voters could decide on the new tax as soon as February 2027, where it require a simple majority to pass.
If approved, it would cost about $50 more per month in property taxes for the owner of a $600,000 home. The proposed RFA would cover more than 50 square miles within Bellingham city limits and Fire District 8, spanning about 105,000 people.
City staff will present a draft plan for the RFA at the next council meeting on Monday, Oct. 5.
Other highlights of the proposed budget include funds earmarked for the upcoming Salish Landing Park, Post Point upgrades and the next phase of renovations at the Bellingham Public Library’s central branch.
The proposed budget would tap into the city’s financial reserves to avoid further cuts. Lund warned in the memo that if the RFA is unsuccessful, there will likely be “significant and timely reductions” needed to maintain operations.
Deputy Administrator Forrest Longman told the council that the city has prepared for a scenario in which it doesn’t pass a public vote.
“As part of our budget process, we asked department heads to submit 3% cut scenarios, which would, if we implemented, could help stabilize things,” Longman said.
The council will have work sessions to review each department’s budget in the coming weeks.
There are two public hearings for the budget on Oct. 5 and Nov. 2 ahead of its final adoption targeted for early December.
