Proactive measure addresses multi-year financial challenges while maintaining essential services





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*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*

June 9, 2025

Kitsap County implements temporary hiring freeze as part of 2026 budget strategy

Proactive measure addresses multi-year financial challenges while maintaining essential services

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PORT ORCHARD, Wash. — The Kitsap County Board of Commissioners today approved a resolution implementing a temporary hiring freeze through Dec. 31, 2025, as part of proactive management of budget challenges the County has been monitoring for the past several years. 

The measure addresses a projected $8 million budget shortfall for fiscal year 2026, with similar challenges expected in future years. The County's $609 million 2025 budget includes a $134 million General Fund constrained by revenue limitations and rising expenditures. 

The 1% cap on property tax growth and flat sales tax growth — 1.5% in 2023, 3% in 2024, with 2% projected for 2025 — is not sufficient to keep pace with mounting costs. Personnel expenses represent more than 70% of the General Fund. Insurance costs doubled from $4 million in 2019 to $8 million today. Jail medical contract services increased 217% — $3.9 million since 2018. 

"The hiring freeze is a tool to alleviate budgetary pressure through natural attrition while maintaining essential services," said Torie Brazitis, County Administrator. "This is one step in addressing our budget challenges, but it won't be the last required as we work through these multi-year fiscal constraints." 

The hiring freeze includes specific limitations. Positions categorically exempted by resolution can continue to be filled, including sheriff's deputies, corrections officers, and certain maintenance and operations roles. Other positions, such as those essential to public safety, will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis for exception. Current recruitments at the interview stage will continue. 

This action serves as both a step and warning light — the County has considerable long-term budgetary challenges to solve and is starting now rather than waiting for a crisis or an emergency to take action. 

"This budget challenge isn’t new. We’ve been working on it for the past couple of years through thoughtful planning and spending reductions," said Christine Rolfes, chair of the Board of County Commissioners. "We have many community needs but are being realistic about our financial position. By prioritizing our core commitments, we can continue providing the essential services our residents expect." 

While some service impacts may occur as positions remain unfilled across departments experiencing staffing challenges, the County remains committed to prioritizing core functions and essential services. 

*Community Input* 

Kitsap County will conduct a community survey this summer to understand residents' priorities during these budget challenges. Residents can also contact their commissioner at [email protected] about service priorities. The County will continue providing transparent updates on budget decisions as officials balance essential services with available resources. 

For more information, visit the Kitsap County budget website [ [link removed]. ]. 


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*About Kitsap County*

"Located in Washington, ""Kitsap County" [ [link removed] ]" is home to over 270,000 residents across 566 square miles, making it the seventh- most populated county in the state. Bordered by the Hood Canal and Puget Sound, Kitsap offers residents, businesses, and visitors a stunning natural beauty and a unique blend of urban amenities and rural charm. The county includes the cities of Bremerton, Port Orchard, Poulsbo, and Bainbridge Island, as well as many unincorporated communities. " 

"Kitsap County is led by a three-member Board of Commissioners that is committed to providing high-quality services and amenities that enhance the quality of life for all residents while fostering economic growth, environmental conservation, and sustainable development." 

"For more information about Kitsap County services and initiatives, visit ""www.kitsap.gov" [ [link removed] ]" or follow us on social media ""@KitsapWa" [ [link removed] ]"." 

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Contact Information

Krista Carlson, Communications Manager & PIO, Board of County Commissioners [email protected], 564.222.0375

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