Bellingham mayor sets budget priorities for next two years
As the COVID-19 pandemic eases but economic uncertainty continues, Bellingham Mayor Seth Fleetwood set his budget priorities for the final two years of his term in a briefing Monday to a City Council committee.
His guidance came as City Council members began initial discussions about a timeline for the 2023-2024 budget at a committee meeting Monday, April 25.
“I expect a moderate budget cycle this year, again,” said Forrest Longman, deputy finance director.
In presenting the mayor’s priorities, Longman warned that the months ahead likely will bring continued economic uncertainty.
In a memo to department heads shared with the council, Fleetwood outlined five areas of importance:
▪ Public safety, including alternative responses.
▪ Continuing investment in climate action and reducing the city’s climate impact.
▪ Maintaining and expanding investments in affordable housing
▪ Supporting vulnerable populations
▪ Easing the effects of the new coronavirus pandemic and supporting recovery efforts.
In his memo to the council, Fleetwood said he will begin taking budget requests from department heads next month, with a final review of the budget in September.
He expects to submit his 2023-2024 budget to the council in October.
City Council members will discuss the two-year budget in October and November, with a final vote expected in December.
