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Whatcom County Charter History
County Forms of Government
In Washington State, there are two forms of county government: the commission form and the home rule charter form. The state constitution establishes the commission as the standard form of county government, featuring a board of commissioners that carries out both legislative and executive functions. The constitution offers counties the option of adopting home rule charters and establishing their own form of governance. Whatcom County has been a home rule charter county since 1978.
Whatcom County's Transition to Home Rule Charter
In July 1977, Whatcom County's board of commissioners passed a resolution calling for the election of freeholders, initiating the process to change the county's form of governance from commission to charter. On November 8, 1977, voters elected 21 county residents, seven from each of the three commissioner districts, to serve on a board of freeholders. Over the course of several months, the board of freeholders met with elected officials, department heads, and freeholders from other counties. They also held a series of public forums throughout the county to ensure residents had a chance to provide their input on the development of the charter. The board of freeholders approved a final draft of the charter in July 1978, and Whatcom County voters approved its adoption at that year's November general election.
According to the board of freeholders, Whatcom County's Home Rule Charter was "designed to give the control of county affairs to the people of the county rather than requiring legislation from Olympia." The charter made two basic changes to the county's form of government. First, it separates the legislative and administrative functions of the government, replacing the three-member board of commissioners with a non-partisan, seven-member, part-time county council and a full-time, elected county executive. Second, the charter provides the right of initiative and referendum to the people of Whatcom County.
At this time, Whatcom County is one of only seven home rule counties in Washington state.
Amending the Charter
Charter Article 8 establishes the procedure for the charter's periodic review and amendment. At least every 10 years after the charter's adoption, the county council is required to call for the election of a charter review commission. This 15-member commission is tasked with reviewing the charter to determine its adequacy and suitability to the needs of the county, and may propose amendments. The commission may also make recommendations to the county council and publish its findings. Amendments proposed by the commission are filed with the county council and submitted to voters for consideration at the next November general election.
Amendments to the charter may also be proposed by the county council or by members of the public. The county council may propose an amendment by enacting an ordinance to submit the amendment to the voters at the next November general election. Members of the public may register an initiative petition with the Auditor, who submits the proposed amendment to voters.
Each amendment date below links to its supporting documents |
Adopted November 7, 1978
Amended: