Budget and Finance Committee

The brief meeting focused entirely on the procedural adoption of the 2026 budget ordinance after an extensive multi-month review process. Finance Director Andy Asbjornsen noted that the budget had been thoroughly discussed through five work sessions and three public hearings since its September 29 introduction, making this final committee action largely ceremonial. The only substantive policy element discussed was the addition of the Skate Park Const…

**Council Member Lisa Anderson (Chair):** Led the meeting efficiently, noting this was the "last agenda bill for today" and moving directly to the staff presentation. **Council Member Daniel Hammill:** Expressed strong appreciation for the administration's detailed approach, stating the budget process was more rigorous than previous years and that the public had "…

**Council Member Hammill, on the budget process:** "We've had a fairly rigorous process when it comes to the work sessions that we had to discuss this budget. I think in more detail than we have in previous administration, so I think this administration for providing that level of detail and the public had plenty of time to an opportunities to weigh i…

- **2026 Budget approved at committee level:** The Budget and Finance Committee formally recommended the 2026 budget ordinance for full Council adoption - **Skate Park Construction Fund established:** New Fund #303 created to account for waterfront skate par…

A structured study guide helping readers understand the meeting's content and context. Written for a general civic audience — assume no prior knowledge of the issues. ### Meeting Overview The Bellingham City Council Budget and Finance Committee met on November 17, 2025, to formally approve the 2026 city budget for recommendation to the full City Council. The committee unanimously approved Agenda Bill 24741, an ordinance adopting the 2026 budget with total expenditures of $544.3 million. ### Key Terms and Concepts **Budget Ordinance:** A formal law passed by the city council that legally authorizes the city to spend money on specific programs and services during the budget year. **Operating Expenditures:** Day-to-day costs of running city services like police, fire, parks, and administration. For 2026, this totals $388.4 million. **Capital Expenditures:** Money spent on long-term assets like buildings, infrastructure, and major equipment. Bellingham's 2026 capital budget is $155.9 million. **Budget Work Sessions:** Special meetings where council members review budget details in depth, ask questions of staff, and discuss potential changes before the final vote. **Public Hearing:** A formal meeting where community members can speak directly to the council about proposed policies or budgets before final decisions are made. **Agenda Bill:** The official document that presents an issue to the city council for consideration, including background information and staff recommendations. **Fund:** A separate accounting entity within the city budget that tracks money dedicated to specific purposes, like the newly created Skate Park Construction Fund. **Committee Recommendation:** When a council committee votes to recommend approval or denial of an item to the full council for final action. ### Key People at This Meeting | Name | Role / Affiliation | |---|---| | Lisa Anderson | Council Member, Budget and Finance Committee Chair | | Daniel Hammill | Council Member, Budget and Finance Committ…