County Budget Cuts
Whatcom County budget proposal eliminates nine sheriff positions amid public safety warnings.
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Key Points
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The department presentations to the Whatcom County Council took place on Tuesday, Sept. 22, as part of the county’s biennial budget-planning process.
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The council’s next department-presentation meeting was scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 29.
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Health and community services and the prosecutor’s office were among the departments scheduled to present at the Sept. 29 meeting.
Whatcom County's proposed budget would eliminate nine Sheriff's Office positions, including six patrol deputies, sparking concerns about emergency response times. Whatcom County Council reviewed the executive recommendations on Tuesday, Sept. 22, as part of the biennial budget-planning process. Sheriff Donnell Tanksley warned that cutting patrol deputies could undermine the county's ability to respond to 911 calls quickly and effectively.
The budget also shifts resources elsewhere: it adds an assistant chief deputy to the public defender's office and transfers five full-time positions there from the clerk's office. A new public-works engineer position would focus on flood projects, backed by $30 million in county flood funding. More department presentations are scheduled for Sept. 29 before the recommendations move to a public hearing and final council vote in November.
Sheriff warns patrol cuts threaten 911 response
The nine job cuts target the Sheriff's Office most heavily. Six of those nine positions are patrol deputies who respond to emergency calls and investigate crimes. Sheriff Donnell Tanksley made clear the cuts would strain operations. He said losing patrol deputies directly undermines the county's commitment to fast emergency response.
Whatcom County Council heard the concerns during Tuesday's presentation. The council has not yet voted on the recommendations. Sheriff Tanksley did not specify exact response-time delays but emphasized that fewer deputies means slower reactions to 911 calls across the county's coverage area.
Public defender's office gets reinforcement
While the Sheriff's Office faces cuts, the public defender's office gains staff. The budget adds an assistant chief deputy position there. Five full-time-equivalent positions are also being transferred from the clerk's office to the public defender's side. This shift aims to strengthen the county's legal defense capacity for those who cannot afford private lawyers.
Flood preparedness gets $30 million investment
The budget includes significant flooding protections. A new public-works engineer position will oversee flood-related projects. The county also allocated $30 million to its flood fund, reflecting concerns about climate-related weather events and aging infrastructure. This represents a major commitment to protect residents and property from future flooding.
Budget decisions move toward final vote in November
The council's review process continues through late September. Health and community services and the prosecutor's office are scheduled to present on Tuesday, Sept. 29. After all departments present, the recommendations will go to a public hearing. The council will make final budget decisions in November, giving residents time to weigh in on priorities.
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