BIRCH BAY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – New research is highlighting potential options for incorporating Birch Bay into its own city.

The Birch Bay Incorporation Association (BBIA) released the findings of their own independent research during a public meeting on Thursday.

In their study, they looked into four potential pathways towards incorporation.

A similar study was conducted by a consulting firm hired by Whatcom County, and My Bellingham Now previously reported that they found incorporation wasn’t financially viable.

BBIA compared those results against three other scenarios – no changes to current operations, a balanced budget with no additional taxes and high service levels with additional taxes.

In comparison to the county’s results ending in a deficit, BBIA’s research found all of their scenarios could produce some revenue for their general fund. They acknowledge that the data compiled reflects a best-case scenario of full staffing upon incorporation.

BBIA is encouraging area residents to review and comment on their findings.