Whatcom County Council voted 5-0 during its July 11 regular meeting to place a local sales and use tax of 0.2 percent, or 20 cents for every $100, on the November general election ballot to fund construction of a new county jail and support services. Councilmember Todd Donovan abstained, and councilmember Kathy Kershner was absent.
Council decided during a June 13 special committee of the whole meeting that the new jail will be built on La Bounty Drive in Ferndale if its funding is approved by voters. Two other locations were considered.
The new jail is estimated to cost $137 million and expected to take three years to build. The remaining funds would pay for improved behavioral health services, diversion programs, supportive housing and re-entry for those released from jail.
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