WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Whatcom County will be searching for a new top official next year.

County Executive Satpal Sidhu announced at the evening county council meeting on Sept. 15 that he won’t run for reelection in 2027.

He did not offer any details as to why he made the decision.

Sidhu reflected on challenges his administration has faced over recent years, including two devastating floods, the COVID-19 pandemic, the opioid crisis and the effects of cross-border tensions. He went on to tout the county’s ability to balance its budget under his leadership, having grown the general fund’s year-end balance by at least 15% in each of the past six years.

Sidhu has been involved in several controversies over his tenure.

Whatcom Democrats called for his resignation after he wrote a favorable letter of introduction for a former public works director who faced allegations of sexual harassment by three female employees.

The county’s former health director also filed a tort claim against the county, accusing Sidhu of sexual discrimination and fostering a hostile work environment.

Sidhu said he’s postponing a more detailed reflection on his tenure for a later time during his roughly eight minutes of remarks at the beginning of the council meeting, which focused more on the state of the county budget.

“Please know that Whatcom County has done very well to serve its constituents with county services and capital projects,” Sidhu said at the meeting. “Last year, our joint efforts to address the structural deficit and austerity measures I put in place have kept the worst impacts at bay. But more needs to be done.”

Community members can learn more about Sidhu’s budget recommendations during the county’s open house on Sept. 30.

There will also be a public hearing for the budget ahead of its final passage in November.