PORT ORCHARD, Wash. — The Kitsap County Board of Commissioners adopted the 2026 budget today, approving $650 million to cover all County operations, including $137.9 million for the General Fund. The General Fund, which pays for law enforcement, courts, staffing, and essential services, was balanced with a 3 percent across-the-board cut and a one-time $300,000 drawdown from County reserves.
The budget maintains essential services despite a $4 million increase in costs over 2025, driven by inflationary pressures—higher prices for insurance, medical care, jail health services, and other core expenses necessary for the County to operate. This increase was not for new programs or staff; it’s what the government must pay to continue to provide the same services residents rely on each day.
“Every family in Kitsap feels the impact of rising costs. County government is no exception,” said Board Chair Christine Rolfes. “County leadership worked hard to design a budget collaboratively to live within our means and protect essential services.”
Under state law, counties are limited in how much they can raise property tax revenue each year. To fit these costs into flattening revenue, every department and office reviewed programs and operations and identified efficiencies and reductions. Cuts were spread equally across all departments.
With a hiring freeze, nearly 25 full-time vacant positions were eliminated from the General Fund. This approach allowed the County to significantly reduce ongoing costs. One-time savings and reserve funds helped maintain core services and public safety investments.
The Board led a collaborative process with departments and offices to prioritize essential County services, including public safety, with an eye toward long-term fiscal sustainability.
In the County’s six-year forecast, budget challenges will persist as costs keep rising faster than revenues. The Board will continue to work with County leadership and community partners to identify lasting solutions through operational efficiencies, service reviews, and other options permitted under state law.
Budget materials are available on the County’s Budget and Finance page. Residents can share feedback with the Board of Commissioners at KitsapCommissioners@kitsap.gov.
###
|
