Whatcom County may implement a new sales tax of 0.1% to go toward staffing in the sheriff’s office and other criminal justice costs. The county expects the tax would raise roughly $7 million in annual revenue. It comes amid rising costs for many of the county’s criminal justice services, including jail contracts, the Sheriff’s Office lease and general labor costs.
WHY IS A CRIMINAL JUSTICE TAX NECESSARY?
According to reports, Washington is ranked 50th in the nation for law enforcement officers per capita. The state Legislature in 2025 tried to address that issue by creating a new $100 million grant program to encourage police hiring. The Legislature also authorized a new 0.1% sales tax that cities and counties can put toward public defense, diversion, reentry, domestic violence services and community assistance.
Cost escalation throughout the criminal justice system has led to a general fund budget deficit. Apparently, if the tax is not passed, the county will have to make significant cuts for the 2027–28 biennial budget.
The tax does not need voter approval to go into effect. However, jurisdictions seeking to implement it must prove their eligibility by adhering to a long list of required policies and training. Locally, Lynden, Bellingham and Skagit County passed the sales tax last year.
WHATCOM COUNTY’S FEBRUARY 24TH COUNCIL MEETING
During a Whatcom County Council meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 24, Undersheriff Steve Harris requested that the sales tax, if passed, be put toward staffing, particularly patrol and corrections deputies. The sheriff’s office froze nine vacant positions to save $1.25 million in 2026. Harris told the county council that deputies have spent 6,400 hours on training in the last six months to meet the state’s standards. He estimated the sheriff’s office will be fully compliant by March 31, at which point the county will apply for a grant to support hiring officers.
Whatcom councilmembers also expressed support for the tax:
“This seems like something that’s really going to help us in the long run continue to provide the current level of service to our community.” ~Whatcom County Council Member Kaylee Galloway
Please contact my office if you, a friend or family member are charged with a crime. Hiring an effective and competent defense attorney is the first and best step toward justice.
