Whatcom County approves new criminal justice sales tax. Here’s what to know
The Whatcom County Council voted 5-2 to approve a new sales tax of one-tenth of 1% for criminal justice purposes. The council also rejected a measure that would have sent the tax to voters for approval.
FULL STORY: Whatcom County approves new sales tax to bolster criminal justice funding
Here are key takeaways:
• What it costs you: The tax adds 10 cents to every $100 purchase, amounting to about $25 to $45 annually for the average Whatcom County family.
• When it starts: The tax takes effect July 1 and could raise $6.5 to $7 million annually for the county.
• Why the county says it’s needed: County Executive Satpal Sidhu called the tax a “crucial step toward fixing the structural imbalance in the county’s annual budget.” Without it, the county faces a $12 million deficit by 2028 and potential cuts to the Sheriff’s Office, courts and Prosecutor’s Office.
• No public vote — for now: A companion advisory referendum failed 2-5. A voter referendum under state law isn’t allowed until 2028, according to Deputy Prosecutor Kimberly Thulin.
• Where the money goes: Funds will pay for health and food services at the county jail, a lease on a new Sheriff’s Office building and labor costs.
• Not the first locally: Lynden and Bellingham have already enacted a similar tax.
The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists. The full story in the link at top was reported, written and edited entirely by journalists.
This story was originally published April 23, 2026 at 11:35 AM with the headline "Whatcom County approves new criminal justice sales tax. Here’s what to know."
