Third attempt to secure funding for a new Whatcom County jail and essential social services has proven successful. On November 8, the initial ballot count revealed an overwhelming 66% in favor of Proposition 4, with only 34% opposing.
Whatcom County Jail Measure Secures Decisive Victory Following Previous Setbacks (Photo: The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette)
A History of Attempts: Whatcom County Jail Journey to Secure a New Jail
In a recent report published by Cascadia Daily News, in November 08, 2023, while numerous ballots are still awaiting tabulation across the county, the significant lead appears insurmountable. This victory marks a pivotal moment for Whatcom County Jail, particularly for individuals grappling with incarceration, mental health challenges, and substance abuse.
The journey to secure funding for a new Whatcom County jail has been one of persistence and adaptation. This latest proposition, Proposition 4, follows two previous measures that faced rejection from voters in 2015 and 2017. The initial plan proposed a 521-bed Whatcom County jail at a cost of $125 million, which was subsequently revised in 2017 to a smaller 480-bed facility with a reduced price tag of $110 million.
Despite these efforts, the proposals were met with resounding disapproval. However, the latest success signifies a turning point, allowing Whatcom County jail to move forward with plans for a more humane jail facility, an on-site treatment center, and a comprehensive approach to address critical criminal justice and behavioral health issues.
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Future Plans and Uncertainties:Â Path to a New Jail
According to the news released by Bellingham Herald, with the passage of Proposition 4, Whatcom County jail is set to implement a 0.2% sales tax on retail goods and services starting July 2024. This tax is expected to generate an estimated $14 million annually initially, contributing to the construction bond for the new jail, anticipated to be located in Ferndale. Despite the decisive support, many specifics about the jail, including size, cost, and design, remain undetermined.
Whatcom County jail officials commit to finalizing these details after gaining a clearer understanding of the bond cost and the county’s financial capacity. As the community looks toward the future, the focus extends beyond the jail itself, with plans outlining the allocation of sales tax revenues to behavioral health needs, including a treatment center, crisis relief center, re-entry services, and expanded housing programs.
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