How will the size of the new Whatcom County jail / behavioral care center be determined?

From the Ordinance passed July 11, 2023: “If this sales and use tax is approved by the voters…the Executive shall endeavor to develop an agreement that…acknowledges the Cities’ request to eliminate booking restrictions through the construction of a new, appropriately-sized jail facility based on a fair analysis of jail use, bookings, and population growth, taking into consideration strategic investments to avoid unnecessary incarceration; identifies and develops a mechanism for additional bed capacity if the facility reaches 85% of operational capacity (defined by national standards for a period of eight of the past twelve months); establishes collaborative protocols to utilize other county or regional jails to accommodate the bed needs of the County and cities when needed; and in a last case scenario, relies on judicial authority to implement booking restriction…”

Image: MMBQ A photo of LaBounty Drive property where the new Jail/BCC would be built