Kitsap County holds budget hearings, Sept. 15-19, 22





View this as a webpage [ [link removed] ]






Kitsap County News











*F**OR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*

Sept. 15, 2025

Check out our Kitsap County Budget Hearings!

"County addresses $8 million shortfall with transparent process"

kc-logo-color-filled-white_original

*PORT ORCHARD, Wash. *– In response to a projected $8 million budget shortfall for fiscal year 2026, Kitsap County is taking a proactive and transparent approach to address significant financial pressures. The County is committed to maintaining essential services while engaging the community in the budget process.

As outlined in an editorial by the Kitsap County Commissioners in June [ [link removed] ], the County faces long-term structural budget challenges driven by revenue constraints and rising costs. The current $609 million overall budget, including a $134 million General Fund, is under pressure due to personnel expenses and essential services costs.

To address these challenges, a temporary hiring freeze has been implemented through Dec. 31, 2025. This measure aims to manage budget pressures through natural attrition while protecting essential services. The hiring freeze includes specific exemptions for critical roles, ensuring that public safety and essential functions remain a priority.

*Budget Hearings Schedule and Public Participation:*

Kitsap County will hold budget hearings where departments and offices will present their fiscal year 2026 budget proposals to the Board of Commissioners. All hearings will be held at the Commissioners Chambers, 619 Division Street, Port Orchard.

*Monday, Sept. 15:* COMPLETED – Administrative Services, Risk Management, Public Defense, Human Resources, Kitsap Public Health, Public Works, and Board of Commissioners

*Tuesday, Sept. 16:* 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. – Treasurer, Auditor & Elections, Sheriff, Assessor, and Prosecutor

*Wednesday, Sept. 17:* 9:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. – Juvenile Services, Community Development, Emergency Management, Information Services, and Clerk

*Friday, Sept. 19:* 9:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. – Parks, Medical Examiner, Superior Court, District Court, and Human Services

Budget deliberations will begin* Monday, Sept. 22* at 1 p.m. See the full Budget Review Schedule here. [ [link removed] ]

*How to Watch:* Residents can attend in person or watch live via Zoom or through Bremerton Kitsap Access Television (BKAT) livestream. For the Zoom webinar IDs for each session, visit our Kitsap County e-Agenda page [ [link removed] ]. Replays will be available at [link removed].

To learn more about the County budgeting process, check out our Budget & Finance home page [ [link removed] ]. Your voice matters in shaping the future of our community.



________________________________________________________________________



*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] ]"." 

* *

*Connect with us*

Stay informed about the latest news from Kitsap County. Visit our website [ [link removed] ], follow us on social media, or sign up for our updates [ [link removed] ].

 

*Links in this document*

Editorial by the Kitsap County Commissioners in June: [link removed]

Budget Review Schedule here: [link removed] [ [link removed] ]

E-Agenda page:  [link removed]

[link removed]: [link removed]

Budget & Finance home page: [link removed]

"Kitsap County: "www.kitsap.gov" [ [link removed] ]"

"@KitsapWA: ""www.facebook.com/KitsapWa" [ [link removed] ]

"Website: ""www.kitsap.gov" [ [link removed] ]

"Sign up for our updates: ""[link removed]" [ [link removed] ]






Contact Information

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

________________________________________________________________________



Resources

Click the links below for more information about County resources.
"All news releases [ [link removed] ]  |  ""County Home Page [ [link removed] ]  |  ""Inclement Weather [ [link removed] ]  |  ""The Road Repor [ [link removed] ]t [ [link removed] ]"

________________________________________________________________________







*Kitsap Electronic Notification System*

Questions? Contact Kitsap1 at 360.337.5777 or [email protected]







________________________________________________________________________

This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Kitsap County · 619 Division Street · Port Orchard, WA 98366 · 360-337-5777 GovDelivery logo [ [link removed] ]