BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Bellingham residents have one last chance to give their thoughts on the city’s proposed budget directly to elected officials.

The Bellingham City Council is discussing budget details for parks and recreation, public works, the library and Whatcom Museum at their 9 a.m. meeting on Monday, Nov. 2.

Later that night, they’ll hold the second of two public hearings on the 2027 budget.

The proposed budget would tap into the city’s reserves to maintain the same services and programs as 2026.

But it hinges on voter approval of a regional fire authority and fire benefit charge, which would create a new taxing district for over 100,000 residents in and around Bellingham.

The council will also vote at the meeting to place the new tax proposal on the February 2027 special election ballot.

The budget is still subject to change ahead of its final adoption in December.

Monday’s public hearing takes place at the council chambers in Bellingham City Hall at 7 p.m.