The bond payment is fixed, but sales tax revenues typically increase. What would "excess revenue" be used for?
In this instance, “excess revenue” means revenue that exceeds the cost of the bond payment.
The County and Bellingham have each expressed their intention to use this excess revenue to fund their respective behavioral health and diversion service and programmatic priorities.
Initially, there would be no excess revenue, but in four to six years, assuming a 4% growth in sales tax, the County and Bellingham’s excess revenue would approach 50% of the tax collected.
Other cities (Lynden, Ferndale, Sumas, Blaine, Everson, Nooksack) can choose to use their excess funds on other public safety priorities.
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