BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A new sales tax to fund public safety services will take effect in Bellingham next year.

The city council voted unanimously to approve the one-tenth of one percent sales tax at its meeting on Monday night.

Starting on Jan. 1, 2026, it will add a dime to a $100 purchase.

Revenue from the tax will fund services ranging from public defense and alternative response teams to DVSAS support and mental health programs.

Council member Michael Lilliquist says the tax necessary to prevent any further cuts across all city departments.

“The truth is, if we didn’t pass this tax, we would lose anywhere from 25 to 35 new positions, depending on which department and where you cut them,” Lilliquist said at the meeting. “And those cuts would occur across the board in all departments, more or less as we’re already seeing.”

My Bellingham Now previously reported that the state Legislature created the option for eligible cities to add the tax earlier this year without needing approval from voters.

The city projects the tax will raise nearly $4 million in 2026 to cut into the current $10 million budget deficit.

Council members also voted to approve an ordinance raising the threshold needed to obtain a general business license.