BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Bellingham residents are encouraged to offer their input on the city’s proposed budget for next year.

The Bellingham City Council will start Monday’s meeting off with the first public comment period for the 2025 budget.

The city says general fund revenues aren’t meeting expectations, falling about $2-3 million short of revenue targets. According to the council’s agenda packet, the new proposed budget will seek to invest in two additional police officers to support the return of specialty units, including a downtown bike patrol.

It also proposes an increase to the city’s solid waste utility tax to support remediation efforts.

Monday’s meeting begins at 7 p.m. from the council chambers and is also available to stream online via the city’s website.

Sign-up sheets for those who want to speak will be available outside the chamber doors between 6:30 and 7:00 PM. Advanced testimony can be presented to the Council online (cob.org/comment), by telephone at 360-778-8200, or by mail sent to 210 Lottie Street, Bellingham, WA 98225.