City Council holds public hearing on notable issues

BELLINGHAM, Wash. — The Bellingham City Council will hold public hearings on several notable issues at its meeting tonight (Monday).

First on the agenda is a motion to raise the city’s percentage of property taxes in 2020 by the 1% allowed by state law.

Then the council will take comment on the emergency ordinance it passed in August allowing temporary homeless encampments on city property and the establishment of temporary homeless shelters.

City staff recommend that the council take no action on the ordinance and allow it to remain in effect until August 2020.

And the public will have a chance to speak before the council considers a resolution urging residents to vote no on I-976, which would limit car tab fees to $30 and restrict other vehicle taxes and fees.