BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – The Whatcom County Council’s committee for the sexual harassment case involving a former Public Works director has announced new steps in its investigation.

The committee gave an update at the council’s Committee of the Whole meeting Tuesday afternoon.

One of the focuses of the investigation is the $225,000 settlement payout which came from an inter-county “risk pool.” Councilmembers voiced confusion over what the risk pool does, including what is the process for using the pool to pay settlements.

“As we’re working through the entire story and the timeline and the facts, I think we’re identifying a few areas where there’s probably gaps that we need to shore up,” Elenbaas said. Ben Elenbaas said knowing how the pool functions will help with their investigation.

John Scanlon added that the council needs to establish best practices in handling harassment complaints and prevention.

“In talking with some of the folks in the community, folks have reminded me to not just look at sexual harassment, but all types of harassment, bullying, retaliation ’cause it’s pretty similar across the board,” Scanlon said.

The committee plans to have regular updates at council meetings for the foreseeable future on Kaylee Galloway’s recommendation.

 

My Bellingham Now will continue to cover the council’s investigation as it develops.