A Look at Whatcom County Charter ballot Propositions

A Look at the Propositions

Proposition No. 1 – Authorizing Council members to Hire Dedicated Aides

Ballot Text:The Whatcom County Charter Review Commission has proposed an amendment to the Whatcom County Charter to authorize County Councilmembers to hire aides. This measure would amend Section 2.22 of the Whatcom County Charter to allow each councilmember to hire a dedicated legislative aide. It also allows multiple councilmembers to hire one joint aide if they choose.
Charter Amendment Summary: Currently, the Whatcom County Charter contains no provision concerning legislative aides. If adopted, this amendment would authorize each Councilmember to hire a dedicated aide with county funds who reports directly to that Councilmember, or for multiple members to share one aide if they choose. It would not require any Councilmember to hire an aide. Supporters say this helps balance the branches of government by giving Councilmembers independent staff and better tools to oversee budgets and respond to residents. Opponents say staffing decisions should remain part of the regular budget process and note that there could be costs if the Council chooses not to reallocate existing budget dollars or staff for this purpose.

Proposition No. 2 – Establishing a Whatcom County Office of the Ombuds

Ballot Text:The Whatcom County Charter Review Commission has proposed an amendment to the Whatcom County Charter to create the office of the Whatcom County Ombuds. This measure would amend Article 2 of the Whatcom County Charter to require the County Council to establish an Office of the Ombuds. The Ombuds would receive and investigate complaints and inquiries about county government. The Council would be required to provide the office necessary funding and power to fulfill its duties. The office would start work no later than January 1, 2027. In 2030, the Whatcom County Council would have the ability to eliminate this office.
Description:Currently, there is no Office of Ombuds. This amendment would require the County Council to establish a new department to receive and investigate complaints about county government operations. The office would have authority and funding to conduct investigations, make recommendations, and begin work by 2027. In 2030, the County Council could choose by majority vote to eliminate the office if it determines the position is unnecessary or ineffective. Supporters say an independent office increases accountability and gives residents a clear place to bring complaints. Opponents note that Whatcom County already has complaint systems and that creating a new department with guaranteed funding could strain budgets and duplicate existing efforts.

Proposition No. 3 – Establishing Performance Audits

Ballot Text: The Whatcom County Charter Review Commission has proposed an amendment to the Whatcom County Charter to establish a process for performance audits. This measure would amend Article 2 of the Whatcom County Charter to require the County Council to establish a county performance auditing process to review, evaluate, and report on various aspects of county government. This process would be conducted by an independent contractor. The process would begin by January 1, 2027, and be performed afterwards as needed. The County Executive would be required to make a report to Councilabout the implementation of recommendations from the performance audit.
Description: Currently, the Whatcom County Charter does not include a requirement for performance audits. If adopted, this amendment would require the County Council to create a process for independent performance audits of county departments and programs. The audits, conducted by an outside contractor, would review financial management, legal compliance, and efficiency. The process must begin by January 1, 2027, and starting in 2029 (and every 2 years after that), the County Executive must report on progress implementing audit recommendations. Supporters say performance audits strengthen accountability and could identify cost savings or inefficiencies. Opponents argue that in addition to state audits, the Council already has the authority to initiate audits without changing the Charter and that a permanent requirement could add cost and bureaucracy.

Proposition No. 4 – Clarifying the Power and Duties of Elected Officials

Ballot Text: The Whatcom County Charter Review Commission has proposed an amendment to the Whatcom County Charter to clarify the powers and duties of county elected officials. This measure would amend Article 3 of the Whatcom County Charter to clarify the independence of the County Elected Offices from the office of the County Executive and to make more consistent the terminology used to describe those offices. This amendment clarifies the powers and duties of each elected office without changing those powers or duties.
Description: This amendment updates and clarifies Charter language describing the roles of elected officials such as the Sheriff, Assessor, Auditor, and Treasurer. It reaffirms their independence from the County Executive and standardizes terminology across Charter sections. The measure does not change any powers or duties; it simply clarifies existing roles. Supporters say it improves clarity and consistency within the Charter, while opponents view it as unnecessary since it makes no substantive change.

Proposition No. 5 – Modifying the Redistricting Process

Ballot Text:The Whatcom County Charter Review Commission has proposed an amendment to the Whatcom County Charter to modify the process of adjusting the boundaries of each district in the county as is required once every ten years. This measure would amend Article 4 of the Whatcom County Charter to clarify the powers and appointment process for the chair of the Districting Committee, require the Committee to comply with state law on redistricting, and adjust timelines to align with the availability of census data. The measure would also require that the Districting Committee hold a public hearing before adopting a redistricting plan.
Description:Every ten years, Whatcom County adjusts district boundaries based on federal census data. This amendment aligns the process with state law, clarifies the Districting Committee chair’s role, and requires a public hearing before adopting a final map. It also synchronizes the timeline with when census data becomes available. Supporters say it modernizes an outdated process and increases transparency. Opponents see it as a minor procedural update with limited impact and less flexibility.

Proposition No. 6 Adjusting the Calculation of Signatures Required for a Referendum

Ballot Text: The Whatcom County Charter Review Commission has proposed an amendment to the Whatcom County Charter to adjust the number of signatures required for the public to place a referendum on the ballot. This measure would amend Charter Section 5.60 to require a proponent of a referendum to collect the signatures of registered voters in the county in an amount equal to fourteen percent of the most recent county executive election. The current requirement is eight percent of the last gubernatorial election. Currently, based on the 2024 gubernatorial election and the 2023 county executive election, this would increase the required number of signatures from 10,917 to 11,187.
Description: Currently, placing a referendum on the ballot requires signatures equal to 8 percent of votes cast in the last gubernatorial (presidential) election. This amendment would instead require 14 percent of votes from the most recent County Executive election, aligning referendums with the initiative process so both use the same local standard. A referendum allows voters to challenge a law passed by the Council, while an initiative lets voters propose new laws. The change would slightly increase the number of required signatures, from about 10,900 to 11,200. Supporters say it makes sense to use local elections rather than statewide ones. Opponents argue it makes referendums harder to qualify.

Proposition No. 7 Prohibiting County Government from Interfering with Initiatives and Charter Amendments

Ballot Texts: The Whatcom County Charter Review Commission has proposed an amendment to the Whatcom County Charter to prohibit the county government from taking official action in relation to an initiative or a charter amendment. This measure would amend Articles 5 and 8 of the Whatcom County Charter to prohibit the County Council from acting to impede, alter, or prevent an initiative or charter amendment from being placed on the ballot and prohibit any county official from expending county resources in support of or opposition to an initiative or charter amendment. It would also prohibit the Council from delaying implementation of an initiative or charter amendment approved by voters.
Description:Currently, the Charter does not explicitly prevent county officials from using government resources to support or oppose citizen initiatives or Charter amendments. This measure would prohibit that and require the Council to promptly implement any initiative or amendment approved by voters once the Auditor has certified it. Councilmembers could still speak as private citizens but not use public funds for advocacy. Supporters say it ensures neutrality, transparency, and respect for voter decisions. Opponents argue it could limit the County’s ability to review flawed or risky proposals before they reach the ballot.

Proposition No. 8 Modifying the Budget Process

Ballot Text:The Whatcom County Charter Review Commission has proposed an amendment to the Whatcom County Charter to modify the budget amendment process. This measure would amend Article 6 of the Whatcom County Charter to require the County Executive to publish budget preparation instructions via website 180 days before the end of the budget cycle, would require county departments and the county executive to submit budget related information earlier in the budget cycle, would require the Executive to provide budget information to the Council, and would require the executive to post other budget related information to a public website.
Description: This amendment would move Whatcom County’s budget process earlier and make it more transparent to the public. It updates the Charter to match state law and sets earlier deadlines for departments to submit financial information to the County Executive and for the Executive to share that information with the Council. The Executive would also be required to transmit budget information to the Council and post it online 120 days before the end of the cycle. The amendment also requires the Executive to publish the proposed budget and budget message on a public-facing website, allowing residents to review spending plans before adoption. Supporters say these changes improve transparency, planning, and accountability in how county funds are managed. There was no formal opposition to this amendment.

Proposition No. 9 Adding Accountability to Financial Reporting Requirements

Ballot Text: The Whatcom County Charter Review Commission has proposed an amendment to the Whatcom County Charter to modify the financial reporting requirements of the County Executive. This measure would amend Section 6.41 of the Whatcom County Charter to prohibit supplemental appropriations if the Executive has not complied with mandatory financial reporting requirements. Currently, the County Executive is required to submit a quarterly report to Council showing the relation between estimated income and expenses and actual income and expenses. This amendment would prohibit the Council from approving supplemental appropriations, with certain exceptions, if that report is not made.
Description: Currently, the County Executive is required to provide quarterly financial reports comparing revenues and expenses to the approved budget, but there are no consequences for missing these deadlines. This amendment would change that by prohibiting the Council from approving new or supplemental spending if the Executive’s reports are late. Exceptions would apply for emergencies, legally required or unavoidable costs, and cost-neutral appropriations that do not reduce fund balances. The Executive would also be required to certify that any approved appropriations maintain a positive balance in each fund. Supporters say the amendment promotes fiscal discipline and accountability by ensuring spending decisions are based on current financial information. There was no formal opposition to this amendment.

Proposition No. 10 Determining Initial Rules for the Charter Review Commission Meetings

Ballot Text:The Whatcom County Charter Review Commission has proposed an amendment to the Whatcom County Charter to set the rules of procedure for the first Charter Review Commission Meeting. This measure would amend Charter Section 8.11 to require the commissioner who received the greatest number of votes in the Charter Review Commission election to set the procedural rules that will govern the first meeting of the commission until a permanent set of rules is adopted by the commission.
Description: Currently, the Charter directs the top vote-getter in the Charter Review Commission election to convene the first meeting but does not specify which rules apply. This amendment would allow that commissioner to set temporary rules until the full Commission adopts permanent ones. Supporters say it prevents confusion and early delays, while there is no organized opposition.

Proposition No. 11 Adjusting the Calculation of Signatures Required for a Charter Amendment

Ballot Text:The Whatcom County Charter Review Commission has proposed an amendment to the Whatcom County Charter to adjust the number of signatures required for the public to place a charter amendment on the ballot. This measure would amend Charter Section 8.22 to require a proponent of a charter amendment to register with the Auditor an initiative bearing the signatures of registered voters equal to twenty percent of the most recent county executive election. The current requirement is fifteen percent of the last gubernatorial election. Currently, based on the 2024 gubernatorial election and the 2023 county executive election, this would reduce the required number of signatures from 20,468 to 15,981.
Description: Currently, citizen-led Charter amendments require signatures equal to 15 percent of votes cast in the last gubernatorial election. This amendment would change that to 20 percent of votes from the smaller County Executive election, which would reduce the number of required signatures by more than 20 percent. Supporters say it makes the process more attainable for citizens to propose changes. Opponents, including Future 42, warn that it lowers the bar for altering the County’s foundational document, opening the door for more frequent or partisan amendments that could destabilize local governance. Reducing the signature threshold weakens the broad consensus intended to protect the Charter and could invite short-term political agendas into what should be a long-term constitutional framework.

Proposition No. 12 Requiring Land Supply and Construction Cost Analysis

Ballot Text:The Whatcom County Charter Review Commission has proposed an amendment to the Whatcom County Charter to require the Executive to publish an analysis of how land supply and construction costs could be affected by new legislation. This measure would amend Article 9 of the Charter to require the Executive to publish a credible analysis of how land supply and construction costs could be affected before the County amends any land use or construction section of the county code.
Description: Currently, the County is not required to study how new land-use or construction rules might affect housing costs or land availability. This amendment would require the County Executive to publish an analysis before adopting any changes to land-use or building codes. The goal is to ensure decision-makers understand how proposed regulations could impact housing affordability and supply. Supporters say it promotes smarter, data-driven planning by requiring county staff to evaluate potential housing impacts in advance, helping reduce unintended costs and improve transparency. Studies show that unpredictable regulations can add significant expense to new housing in Washington, and other communities, such as Spokane, have already implemented similar review processes to protect affordability. There was no formal opposition to this amendment.