Fire Benefit Charge Public Hearing
One funding tool an RFA may use is a Fire Benefit Charge. Community members can comment on the possible implementation of a Fire Benefit Charge at a public hearing on Oct. 14, from 6–8 p.m., at the City Council Chambers. Learn more on our events calendar.
Planning Committee Meetings
The first meeting on the RFA Planning Committee was May 22, 2026. Starting June 8, 2026, the Committee meets every other Monday from 2–4 p.m. in the Mayor’s Boardroom at Bellingham City Hall. To find all upcoming meeting dates and times, check the City of Bellingham events calendar.
Committee Members
RFA Planning Committee members must be elected officials. By state law, each governing body must select three elected officials to represent them on the committee.
Members of the Bellingham Regional Fire Authority Planning Committee are:
- Roger Buswell, Whatcom County Fire District 8 Commissioner
- Dan Hammill, City of Bellingham Council Member
- Michael Lilliquist, City of Bellingham Council Member
- Kim Lund, City of Bellingham Mayor
- Robert Neher, Whatcom County Fire District 8 Commissioner
- Sheena Williams, Whatcom County Fire District 8 Commissioner
Meeting Materials
Find meeting agendas and minutes here.
May 22, 2026
June 8, 2026
June 22, 2026
July 6, 2026
July 20, 2026
August 3, 2026
August 17, 2026
Planning Committee’s Role
The Planning committee will draft the RFA service plan – what services the RFA will provide, how the RFA will be governed, and how the RFA will be financed.
Once the Planning Committee drafts the plan, each of the governing bodies, the Bellingham City Council and the Board of Fire Commissioners for Fire District 8, will go through a process to put the plan on the ballot for the voters to decide on.