Sheriff Tanksley to discuss law enforcement and Birch Bay incorporation

Whatcom County Sheriff Donnell “Tank” Tanksley will discuss what law enforcement could potentially look like if Birch Bay becomes its own city during the Birch Bay Incorporation Association’s (BBIA) next meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday, February 20.

Tanksley is also expected to discuss public safety currently in Birch Bay and how those services could change if Birch Bay incorporated. Attendees will be able to ask Tanksley questions.

The BBIA Steering Committee requests attendees read the 2008 incorporation feasibility study, which details recommendations for contracting the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office for law enforcement services on pages 52-54. The 2008 feasibility study is available at bit.ly/4gxqq6F.

The meeting will be held at North Bay Community Church, 4895 Birch Bay-Lynden Road in Birch Bay, and a Zoom link is available at incorporatebirchbay.com. Questions and comments can be sent to info@incorporatebirchbay.com.

Tanksley is the third public official to speak at a BBIA meeting after Whatcom County Executive Satpal Sidhu and state senator Sharon Shewmake (D-Bellingham) explored the idea of Birch Bay incorporation at a BBIA meeting last May.

BBIA was officially formed in November 2023 to explore the pros and cons of Birch Bay becoming its own city. Whatcom County Council approved money last summer for a feasibility study that will provide information on data, including costs, associated with incorporation. The study will look at incorporating Birch Bay in its urban growth area boundaries.

The association holds quarterly meetings and monthly steering committee meetings. BBIA is still in the early stages of exploring incorporation, which would be a multi-year process and require voter approval.