Nooksack approves tax hike, disposal fees

Nooksack City Council members voted on Tuesday to raise the city's property tax levy by 1 percent. The decision followed a public hearing held during the Nov. 2 meeting.

Clerk-Treasurer Monica King stated the city currently holds banked capacity but chose to increase the levy by only the maximum allowed amount. The change adds approximately $2,082 to the total levy.

Mayor Marshall Judy noted that the council has the authority to make this adjustment annually. He described the amount as modest but useful for the budget during periods of financial pressure.

The council also reallocated the budget for the 2027 levy. Street fund spending will receive 60 percent of the revenue, while the general fund will receive 40 percent. This split reverses the 2026 allocation, a change King said reflects staff recommendations to prioritize street maintenance. Judy called the new balance better, and the vote passed unanimously.

Council members also reviewed a new interlocal contract from Whatcom County regarding public safety tax funds for a new jail. County documents show the project cost has risen from $150 million in May 2024 to $205 million. The county council approved the new agreement on Oct. 27.

Under the proposed terms, small cities including Nooksack would transfer 75 percent of their public safety sales tax to the county through 2034. The period could extend to 2038 if county revenue falls short, with cities covering any gap above $10 million. Judy said he will meet with county staff to review the details before bringing the agreement back to council.

The council also approved rate increases for garbage and recycling services from Nooksack Valley Disposal. The provider announced a 14.7 percent increase in cost per ton, the first rise in three years. A 45-cent increase per cart will take effect on Jan. 1, 2027. Yard waste and composting fees will rise by $1.25 per month. The average Nooksack home will see a monthly increase of $1.47.

Nooksack Valley Disposal stated in a letter that costs for fuel, repairs, and insurance have risen sharply. The company noted it will still offer the lowest prices among comparable nearby cities after the changes.