Whatcom County Communications (WatCom) and Prospect Administrative Board
The WatCom and Prospect Administrative Board approved the 2026 budget, which reflects a significant cost escalation trend that has doubled expenses for most agencies since 2020. The budget focuses on staff wage increases already bargained through collective bargaining agreements and rising benefit costs, while limiting other expenditures. A major facility construction project is moving forward with bidding anticipated in mid-October, featuring a new $12 million dispatch center with 16 stations (double current capacity) and modern amenities designed to improve employee retention. The board also agreed to discuss potential changes to board membership composition in January 2026, following recommendations in a recently released EMS fire services report that suggested co-locating Prospect with WatCom. The meeting highlighted ongoing financial sustainability concerns, with Sheriff Tanksley noting the unsustainable 100% cost increase over five years and questioning when the trend would plateau. Officials acknowledged the cost escalation was primarily driven by necessary staffing increases to reach adequate service levels, major infrastructure investments completed over the past decade, and post-COVID wage pressures.
**Budget Approval for 2026:** Passed unanimously. The budget represents a "status quo" approach with increases limited to already-bargained wage increases and benefit cost escalations. For Prospect, a $175,000 annual loan payment that was scheduled to continue for infrastructure replacement will instead be used to offset wage and benefit increases. **Facility Construction Timeline:** The board received an update on the new $12 m…
**Mid-October 2025:** Facility construction bidding process begins **November 2025:** Construction bids due **December 2025:** City Council approval of construction contract expected **Early 2026:** Bond issuance for facility c…