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Council approves interlocal with county to share costs for severe weather shelter
Summary
Council authorized an interlocal agreement with Whatcom County to share the operating costs of a county-operated severe weather shelter; the county will invest the first $450,000 and the city will share up to $150,000.
The Bellingham City Council approved an interlocal agreement with Whatcom County to share costs for operating the county's severe weather shelter. Council member Jace Cotton, chair of the Community and Economic Development committee, said the county did not receive proposals from providers to operate the shelter and decided to reprise its role as primary operator for severe-weather activations.
Under the interlocal agreement, Whatcom County will invest the first $450,000 for operations, and the City of Bellingham will share up to an additional $150,000 toward shelter costs. Anne Beck, Whatcom County's community health and human services manager, and Terrace Dean, the city's community and economic development manager, briefed the committee. Staff reported the shelter has already provided more than 1,107 overnight stays and required 72 staff and 104 volunteer shifts during the most recent activation periods.
Cotton said the committee recommended unanimous approval; council approved the motion by voice vote, 7-0. Cotton encouraged residents to watch the brief committee presentation for more details.
