 June 2025
Summer is almost here, and it's been another productive month of serving District 2 and working on the critical issues facing our community. As your elected Commissioner, I continue to focus on the priorities that matter most to our residents: fiscal responsibility, economic development, and ensuring efficient County services that support our growing community.
This month, I want to update you on several important developments, including ongoing budget challenges, significant progress in our development review processes, and meaningful transitions in our County staff—particularly in our veterans services.
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Addressing Our Budget Challenges Head-On
Like many counties across Washington state, Kitsap County is facing significant financial pressures that we've been monitoring and actively addressing for the past two years. We're projecting an $8 million budget shortfall for fiscal year 2026, with similar challenges expected in future years.
The root of these challenges lies in structural revenue constraints that aren't keeping pace with rising costs. The 1% cap on property tax growth, combined with modest sales tax growth—just 1.5% in 2023, 3% in 2024, and 2% projected for 2025—simply isn't sufficient to meet mounting operational expenses. Our current $609 million budget includes a $134 million General Fund that faces significant pressures.
Personnel expenses represent more than 70% of our General Fund, and we're seeing substantial increases in essential services costs. Insurance costs have doubled from $4 million in 2019 to $8 million today. Our jail medical contract services have increased by 217%—$3.9 million since 2018.
This budget challenge isn't new, and we're taking a proactive approach rather than waiting for a crisis. We'll be conducting a community survey this summer to understand residents' priorities. I encourage you to share your thoughts with me at oroot@kitsap.gov or contact all commissioners at KitsapCommissioners@kitsap.gov.
Streamlining Development: DCD PREP Program Updates
Our Department of Community Development (DCD) has made significant strides in improving service delivery through the PREP (Permit Review Enhancement Program) initiative. This program streamlines the development review process, reduces wait times, and provides better customer service for residents and businesses navigating our permitting systems.
DCD has launched Phase 2 of its innovative 2x6 review model, extending this efficient process from site development activity permits to plat applications. The 2x6 review model offers applicants two review cycles, each lasting six weeks, creating a more predictable and streamlined review process.
To further improve efficiency, DCD began enforcing existing submission guidelines last month, ensuring applications are complete and ready for review from the start. I encourage applicants to use the Submittal Success Guide, available on the Permit Pathways page, to avoid unnecessary delays.
Additionally, the new Permit Review Cycle Limit Policy is now in effect, supporting PREP efforts and aligning with state legislation SB 5290. Kitsap County Code Title 21 permit applications are now limited to two review cycles, with a potential third review only for minor changes approved by a supervisor.
These improvements directly support our economic development goals by making it easier for businesses to invest in our community and for families to build and improve their homes. For more information, visit kcowa.us/PREP.
My Long-Term Agenda
While addressing immediate challenges, I remain focused on transformative projects that will drive Kitsap County's economic growth for years to come, including major improvements to infrastructure connectivity, ongoing development along key transportation corridors, and strategic partnerships.
Advancing Maritime Transportation Solutions
Last month, Board Chair Commissioner Christine Rolfes and I experienced innovative electric hydrofoil ferry technology during a demonstration ride between Bremerton and Port Orchard. This technology is being researched for feasibility and cost effectiveness, with the mitigation of shoreline impacts being at the top of the list. There are no plans to date to pursue or implement this technology.
Reliable, efficient ferry service is crucial for connecting our communities and supporting economic development throughout Kitsap County. These partnerships reflect my commitment to thinking strategically about our community's future while addressing today's pressing needs—from reliable transportation infrastructure to sustainable economic development that preserves what makes Kitsap County special.
Warm regards,
Oran
We are South Kitsap, working together for a better and unified future!
"Go Wolves"
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Celebrating our Heroes!
 Memorial Day and Armed Forces Day events across our district provided opportunities to pay tribute to our fallen service members and celebrate those who continue to defend our freedoms. We also honor our Gold Star families and remember our POW/MIA (Prisoner of War and Missing in Action) service members. I'm grateful for our community's strong tradition of honoring military service.
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Let us also never forget the hard work and dedication of our 911 operators and our corrections officers and deputies from the Kitsap County Sheriff's Office who work for our communities 24/7, 365 days a year.
We appreciate them being their very best on our worst days. Thank you for always being there in our time of need!
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Congratulations, graduates!
 Last month I had the privilege of attending a graduation ceremony for participants in the Kitsap County Adult Drug Court program. This innovative treatment-based program offers individuals facing criminal prosecution an alternative path through rigorous treatment, intensive supervision, and educational opportunities.
The minimum 18-month program combines accountability with support, helping participants overcome substance dependency while addressing underlying issues that contribute to criminal behavior. Upon successful completion, participants have their criminal charges dismissed—representing genuine second chances and community healing.
Programs like Drug Court demonstrate our commitment to evidence-based approaches that reduce recidivism while supporting individuals in rebuilding their lives.
Veteran's Corner: Honoring Service and Transition
This month we celebrate the remarkable service of two dedicated veterans as they transition into well-deserved retirement.
 Rick Becker, our Veterans Program Coordinator, retired after a lifetime of service that began when he joined the U.S. Navy in 1970. Rick served with distinction as a hospital corpsman and later as an officer, culminating his military career as Commanding Officer of Naval Hospital Okinawa, Japan. After settling in Silverdale in 2005, Rick continued serving our military community through the private sector and later joined Kitsap County as Veterans Program Coordinator in October 2021.
Andy Nelson, our Public Works Director, retired after an impressive 40 years of public service, including more than 29 years in the Army and more than 10 years with Kitsap County. Andy's military experience and leadership have been invaluable in managing our County's critical infrastructure and public works operations.
Both Rick and Andy exemplify the dedication, leadership, and commitment to service that our military instills in our service members. Their combined decades of service—first to our nation and then to our community—have made Kitsap County stronger and more resilient.
I want to personally thank both Rick and Andy for their unwavering commitment to serving others and for the lasting impact they've made on our community.
Year of the Rural: Shaping Kitsap's Future
As part of our commitment to supporting rural communities and preserving the character that makes Kitsap County special, we're undertaking a comprehensive "Year of the Rural" initiative. The Board of Commissioners is currently considering 17 rural rezone requests throughout the County as part of this initiative.
Key Upcoming Dates:
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Monday, June 9, 2025 - Staff Briefing (2 to 3:30 p.m.) - The Board will receive a staff presentation to determine which requests will proceed for further consideration.
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Monday, June 23, 2025 - Public Hearing (10 a.m.) - If changes are directed during the June 9 briefing, an amended docket will be presented with opportunities for community input.
To learn more, visit the Board's e-Agenda page.
Community Engagement Opportunity
This month the Department of Community Development invites you to engage in Year of the Rural activities. The next event is a Rural and Resource Lands Chapter Update presentation:
Date: Tuesday, June 24, 2025
Time: 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Location: Kitsap County Admin Building, Commissioner Chambers, 619 Division St. Port Orchard
Virtual Option: Registration at bit.ly/YOTRWorkshop (password: 801423)
Your input is essential to this process. Please visit https://kcowa.us/YOTR for more information.
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Planning for a Resilient Coastline: Sea Level Rise Assessment Nears Completion
For the past year, the Department of Community Development has also been conducting a comprehensive Sea Level Rise Vulnerability and Risk Assessment to better understand how rising seas may impact our communities. With more than 200 miles of marine shoreline, Kitsap County is already experiencing the effects of coastal erosion, flooding, and storm-driven inundation—threats that pose growing risks to infrastructure, public safety, and the environment.
This assessment has gathered critical data on potential flooding areas and the vulnerabilities of key assets, helping inform future planning efforts to build long-term resilience.
As the project wraps up next month, residents are invited to learn more and share feedback at a public meeting on June 17 at 5:30 PM. For details and to see areas mapped as having a higher level of exposure, visit the Sea Level Rise webpage.
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A Look at Upcoming Board of Commissioners Meeting Topics: June Highlights
 I encourage residents to join meetings of the County Commissioners either in person or virtually. This month we will be reviewing several important updates.
- June 9 PM Briefing: Year of the Rural Update
- June 16 PM Briefing: Planning Commission Update
- June 18 Work Session: Parks June Update
- June 23 PM Briefing: Sea Level Rise Update
- June 25 Work Session: Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan Deliberations
For details, including a full list of topics and how to attend virtually, visit the Board of Commissioners webpage.
In Case You Missed It: News Across County Departments & Offices
Aging and Long-Term Care - In June, we're hosting a variety of in-person and virtual information sessions focused on brain health. Event locations and details are available in the Aging and Long-Term Care newsletter.
Assessor's Office - The Assessor's June newsletter is out featuring information about change in value notices, inspections, and property tax exemptions for seniors and disabled persons.
Noxious Weeds Control - This month's Noxious Weed newsletter contains great tips for supporting pollinators and bee-friendly weed control.
To subscribe to these or other County newsletters, visit the Kitsap County Electronic Notification System registration page.
Upcoming Collection Event - Tire Recycling
 The Kitsap County Solid Waste Division is hosting a free Tire Collection Event for households:
Date: Monday, June 9, and Tuesday, June 10, 2025
Time: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Location: Kitsap County Fairgrounds – Thunderbird Arena (lot behind arena) 1275 Fairgrounds Rd. NW, Bremerton, WA 98311
- Limit 15 tires per household
- Tires accepted with or without rims
- No commercial or tractor tires
- No tires from businesses or organizations
Sign up for email notifications about upcoming recycle events here.
Questions? Contact solidwaste@kitsap.gov or Kitsap1 at 360.337.5777.
For more information go to the Public Waste and Recycling Events webpage.
Step In, Speak Up: Be Part of Your Neighborhood Community Council
Join the Manchester Community Advisory Council (MCAC) at their regular monthly meetings the first Tuesday of every month from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Manchester Library.
Visit the MCAC webpage for more information including meeting dates, agendas, and membership. You can also view materials from prior meetings and learn about council members.
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