Whatcom County officials outline steps to boost budget transparency during charter review deep dive

Whatcom County officials told the County Charter Review Commission on May 1 during a deep dive on Article 6, Financial Administration, that they are working to give the public and council earlier, clearer information about the county’s budget and spending.

The discussion came after commissioners asked how the public can find out whether collected tax or fee revenue is being spent and how to increase public participation in budget prioritization. “We are actively working on and eager to engage in” earlier engagement and clearer communication, Deputy Executive Ali Panucci said.

The exchange centered on three priorities: bringing the public into the process earlier so citizens’ priorities can shape departmental budget requests, upgrading financial and budgeting software to produce more granular public-facing reports, and improving quarterly and year-end reporting timelines.

“Timing matters,” Panucci said. “As we think about preparing the next biennial budget, departments, the executive and the council should be hearing from the community about…