Ballot Title

Nov 4th 2025

Proposition No. 1 – Authorizing Councilmembers to Hire Dedicated Aides

The Whatcom County Charter Review Commission has proposed an amendment to the Whatcom County Charter to authorize County Council members to hire aides. This measure would amend Section 2.22 of the Whatcom County Charter to allow each council member to hire a dedicated legislative aide. It also allows multiple council members to hire one joint aide if they choose.

Should this proposal be: Approved             Rejected         

Explanatory Statement

Currently, the Whatcom County Charter contains no provision concerning legislative aides. If adopted, this amendment would authorize council members to hire a dedicated legislative aide with county funds to report directly to that council member. Council members are authorized

to use a joint aide between multiple council members if they so desire. This amendment would not require any Council member to have an aide.

Amending Language

Article 2 – The Legislative Branch Section 2.22 Organization.

The County Council shall annually elect one of its members as chair and a vice-chair who shall act in the absence of the chair. It shall be responsible for its own organization, the rules of conduct of its business and for the employment and supervision of such persons as it deems necessary to assist it in the performance of its duties. Each councilmember shall be authorized to hire a dedicated legislative aide who reports directly to that councilmember.

Councilmembers can elect to hire a joint aide if they choose. A majority of the Council shall constitute a quorum at all meetings. Council action shall require at least a majority of the entire Council except where two-thirds vote is required, in which case two-thirds of the entire Council shall be necessary