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, 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.
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. Replays will be available at https://bremerton.vod.castus.tv/vod/?nav=programs.
To learn more about the County budgeting process, check out our Budget & Finance home page. Your voice matters in shaping the future of our community.
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