Let Voters Decide: Whatcom County Sales Tax Increase Proposal — Tuesday @ 6 PM

The Whatcom County Council is considering a new 0.1% sales tax that some councilmembers are proposing for criminal justice purposes.

Future 42 Whatcom’s position is that the decision should be put to voters, not implemented solely by a majority of the County Council.

Major tax decisions are often put before voters and regularly are by local governments across the state. Even when not legally required, the Council can choose to let the public decide. This tax proposal and whether it should be on a future ballot is scheduled for discussion and a vote on Tuesday, April 14.

Bringing this measure to the ballot also helps ensure that voters have a clear understanding of how the revenue is intended to be used before it is approved.

This is an important decision—please take a moment today to send an email to both the Council and County Executive before April 14: 

• County Council: council@co.whatcom.wa.us
• Executive Satpal Sidhu: ssidhu@co.whatcom.wa.us

We also encourage you to attend and provide public comment, asking the Council to refer this measure to the ballot and allow voters to decide, if you are able, on Tuesday, April 14 at 6:00 PM.

311 Grand Ave., Suite 105
Bellingham, WA 98225

Click here to participate in public comment virtually.

A quick message is all it takes. Here are two simple examples you can use:

Example 1:
“I respectfully ask the Council to refer this proposed sales tax to the ballot so voters can decide.”

Example 2:
“Regardless of the tax itself, I believe this decision should be made by the voters. Please allow the public to vote on this measure.”

Thank you for staying engaged in our community.