Special Holiday Edition

Happy Holidays Central Kitsap!

As the holiday season unfolds, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to Cental Kitsap residents for your continued support, resilience, and sense of community throughout the year. It has been an honor to serve as your County Commissioner, and I am continually inspired by the kindness and dedication that define Kitsap County.

I am very pleased to share that on December 2, 2024, the County Commissioners adopted the 2024 - 2044 Comprehensive Plan Update. This came after an exhaustive two-year effort that included multiple public comment periods, open houses, and public hearings.

The Commissioners also approved the County's 2025 budget on the same day Governor Inslee expressed concerns over the State's latest revenue forecasts. Similar to impacts on the State budget, the cost and need for services are increasing faster than revenue, leaving a significant operating budget deficit. While next year's gap was able to be addressed with higher-than-expected interest earnings, the Commissioners will start 2025 with a robust budget planning effort for 2026.

December also brought about very good hiring news. After a rigorous national search, the Commissioners named Rafe Wysham as the new Department of Community Development Director. Rafe starts work January 6, 2025, and will be a tremendous addition to the County's leadership team. 

Whether you are spending time with family, volunteering in the community, or enjoying moments of rest, I hope this season brings you peace, joy, and warmth. I am deeply thankful for your trust in my leadership, and I look forward to working with you in the year ahead to continue building a bright future for Kitsap County.

Wishing you all a safe, healthy, and happy holiday season.

Katie

2024 Volunteer Recognition - Parks, Public Works, and Human Services

Keeping Kitsap Clean

The County could not keep our roads and parks clean without the dedication of our volunteers. This month, a handful of community members and groups were recognized for their exceptional work in keeping local roadways and parks clean and litter-free.

In gratitude:

Adopt a Spot

• Evan Delegeane, most active Individual Volunteer 
• Warren Ave Bridge Cleanup Crew, most Active Group of Volunteers

Parks 

• Kim Greenwood, North Kitsap Volunteer of the Year
• Ken Shawcroft, North Kitsap Legacy Award
• Tom Coleman, Central Kitsap Volunteer of the Year
• Jim Aho, Central Kitsap Legacy Award
• Tim O'Mahony, South Kitsap Volunteer of the Year
• Larry Walker, South Kitsap Legacy Award
• Michelle Ring, Rookie of the Year
• Washington Youth Academy, Partner of the Year

The County is also fortunate to have wonderful partners who support efforts to keep Kitsap roads and open space clean. This includes: Our Forest Fund, WA Trails Association, WA Youth Academy, WSU Extension, Great Peninsula Conservancy, U.S. Navy, and Rotary International.

Impacting the Lives of Veterans and their Families

At the Board's regular meeting on December 9, Jayme DeGooyer was awarded the Outstanding County Government Volunteer award.

Jayme serves as the Chair of the Veterans Advisory Board and leads efforts to care for Kitsap County indigent and homeless veterans. She was nominated for this prestigious award by the Department of Human Services and Veterans Advisory Board based on her extraordinary and uncommon personal involvement in veteran issues. She has helped make the Veterans Program stronger, the County response to veteran needs more robust, and the veteran community better served by its government. As a trailblazer in the delivery of human services, Jayme’s contributions are both transformative and far-reaching, making her highly deserving of this recognition.

Holiday Traditions

Dance of the Sugarplum Fairies returns Academy of Dance proudly presents its annual production of “The Nutcracker.” “The ballet will be held at Central Kitsap Performing Arts Theater on Saturday, December 14th at 5:00 pm and Sunday, December 15th at 1:00 pm. Click here for tickets and to learn about other holiday events taking place this month at the Central Kitsap Performing Arts Center.

Lighted Boats

The Bremerton Yacht Club (BYC) will be hosting its annual Lighted Boat Parade on Dec 20 - Dec 21 at 6:10 PM. Enjoy the beautiful sight of boats decorated with colorful lights and holiday decorations! To get a behind the scenes look at what goes into organizing this beloved event, watch my Commissioners Corner that was filmed at the BYC prior to last year's parade. Visit the BYC website for all the details, including how to submit a request for a Santa greeting. Important to remember that Santa cannot accept message requests after 5:00pm on the day BEFORE the parade.  Details on other lighted boat parades across the County can be found here.

CKFR Gets into the Santa Swing. Hoping many of you were able to see Santa as he rode on the engine with Central Kitsap Fire & Rescue to visit various neighborhoods throughout Silverdale. The final neighborhood visits are scheduled this coming weekend, December 13, 14, and 15. Check the CKFR website for details.

Community Engagement

I've had a lot of fun participating in the start of winter festivities. Winter on the Kitsap Peninsula offers something for everyone. Visit Love Kitsap for their guide to countywide holiday activities and special events.

Information, Tips, & Trainings

Assessor's Office Newsletter

Kitsap County Assessor, Phil Cook, recently sent out his December Newsletter. If you aren't subscribed, it provides timely information and answers to questions like:

1. How are property taxes determined?
2. When will the County be making onsite inspections in your neighborhood?
3. Who is eligible for a discount on sewer service?
4. When are presentations being held to learn more about the Senior Citizen and Disabled Persons Property Tax Exemption Program?
5. How do I qualify and apply for a Farm or Forest Land exemption?

Click here to read the current articles, sign up for the Newsletter, or access previous editions. 

Free Computer Classes Easter Seals is teaching free computer classes at their location - 4414 Perry Ave NE, Bremerton, WA 98310. If you complete 4 weeks of classes (4 weeks, Tuesday and Thursday for 1 hour) they will GIVE you a free Chromebook.  They only have 8 spots in each class, so it fills up fast.    The next round of classes begins December 30th and there will be at least 2 more sets of classes. Class starting March 31st (signups available February 3rd) Class starting April 28th (signups available March 3rd) To sign up - call Cheleena Neumann at (360) 377-9810 or email her at cneumann@wa.easterseals.com to get an application.

Protecting Our Most Vulnerable  The Kitsap County Severe Weather Shelters operate between Nov 1 through Mar 31. When the County activates a Severe Weather Shelter (SWS) the website is changed from to “SWS CLOSED” to “SWS OPEN” and that message is sent out to the housing and homelessness provider community. Shelters are activated when certain conditions are reported, as listed below. It is expected to be 32 degrees or lower for 4+ hours for 1+ successive days; Snow accumulation is expected to exceed 1 inch for more than 2 days;  There are 2+ successive days of 1 inch or more of rain; or Shelters may activate when high wind warnings are issued. Opening a shelter is also dependent on the shelter being fully staffed by volunteers for the night. Those needing transportation to the closest shelter can call 360-373-3000 to arrange for a ride before 7 p.m.  For information, including how to sign up for SWS notifications or to volunteer at a SWS, visit the County's SWS webpage.

Winter Bus Routes A reminder that winter service change began December 8. Visit the Kitsap Transit news article for details.

Getting Involved in Your Community

Klahowya Secondary School (KSS) is seeking outstanding adult mentors to commit to a weekly mentoring session with KSS middle school students. If you know anyone interested in volunteering one hour per week during school hours to meet with a student, please complete the Mentoring Application available online.

Connect with the County The Commissioners' Office public service counter is open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Please note all County departments will be closed on December 25, 2024 and January 1, 2025. For questions or appointments with the Commissioners, please email kitsapcommissioners@kitsap.gov or call 360.337.7080. For County services or questions, email help@kitsap1.com or call 360.337.5777. If this was forwarded to you and you'd like to stay informed about happenings in Central Kitsap, click here to subscribe.