When will Whatcom pay of it’s bond for the new County jail?

According to the Ordinance passed by the County Council on July 11, 2023, the life of the bond for the jail/bcc would expire after 30 years, approximately 2055.

Once the total capital financing costs for the jail and behavioral health facilities have been paid for, the county council has the option to repeal one-half of one percent sales and use tax at that time.

The requirements for procuring a bond drove this decision. To bond the levy it was considered necessary to disallow “sunsetting” the bond any earlier than the 30-year timeframe.

Image: Visit Bellingham