 | | Board of Commissioners to Consider Residential Rural Rezone Requests at June 23 Public Hearing | 6/12/2025 | Following a comprehensive staff review at their Monday, June 9, 2025, PM briefing, the Kitsap County Board of Commissioners made decisions regarding 17 rural rezone requests as part of the County's Year of the Rural initiative. The Board unanimously moved three rural commercial and industrial rezone requests forward for additional review. A final decision for these three will not be made until the end of the year. Then, in a split 2-1 decision, they voted to remove residential rezone requests. Commissioners Katie Walters and Christine Rolfes affirmed the decision, while Commissioner Oran Root dissented. A revised docket removing all residential reclassification requests will be presented at a public hearing during the June 23, 2025, regular business meeting of the Board of Commissioners. This action could potentially remove 14 residential rezone requests that would have added up to 135 to 140 additional residential units across rural Kitsap County. A Department of Community Development evaluation found that the cumulative effect of residential requests conflicted with the County's rural growth targets and Comprehensive Plan policies to direct growth to urban areas. Let us know your thoughts Public comment will be accepted during a public hearing at the Board's June 23, 2025, regular business meeting. Written comments are preferred no later than Friday, June 20, 2025, at 10 a.m. Comments can be emailed to compplan@kitsap.gov. All correspondence will be shared with the Board of Commissioners. Next Steps - Monday, June 23, 2025: Public hearing for the amended docket will be held during the Board of Commissioners regular business meeting at 10 a.m.
This decision represents one component of the broader Year of the Rural initiative, which includes updating rural policies, reviewing development codes, and engaging with rural communities throughout 2025. Information about Board of Commissioner meetings is available on our e-Agenda page. For questions, contact compplan@kitsap.gov.
| | | | Kitsap County Implements Temporary Hiring Freeze as Part of 2026 Budget Strategy | 6/9/2025 | Proactive Measure Addresses Multi-Year Financial Challenges While Maintaining Essential Services The Kitsap County Board of Commissioners today approved a resolution implementing a temporary hiring freeze through Dec. 31, 2025, as part of proactive management of budget challenges the County has been monitoring for the past several years. The measure addresses a projected $8 million budget shortfall for fiscal year 2026, with similar challenges expected in future years. The County's $609 million 2025 budget includes a $134 million General Fund constrained by revenue limitations and rising expenditures. The 1% cap on property tax growth and flat sales tax growth — 1.5% in 2023, 3% in 2024, with 2% projected for 2025 — is not sufficient to keep pace with mounting costs. Personnel expenses represent more than 70% of the General Fund. Insurance costs doubled from $4 million in 2019 to $8 million today. Jail medical contract services increased 217% — $3.9 million since 2018. "The hiring freeze is a tool to alleviate budgetary pressure through natural attrition while maintaining essential services," said Torie Brazitis, County Administrator. "This is one step in addressing our budget challenges, but it won't be the last required as we work through these multi-year fiscal constraints." The hiring freeze includes specific limitations. Positions categorically exempted by resolution can continue to be filled, including sheriff's deputies, corrections officers, and certain maintenance and operations roles. Other positions, such as those essential to public safety, will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis for exception. Current recruitments at the interview stage will continue. This action serves as both a step and warning light — the County has considerable long-term budgetary challenges to solve and is starting now rather than waiting for a crisis or an emergency to take action. "This budget challenge isn’t new. We’ve been working on it for the past couple of years through thoughtful planning and spending reductions," said Christine Rolfes, chair of the Board of County Commissioners. "We have many community needs but are being realistic about our financial position. By prioritizing our core commitments, we can continue providing the essential services our residents expect." While some service impacts may occur as positions remain unfilled across departments experiencing staffing challenges, the County remains committed to prioritizing core functions and essential services. Kitsap County will conduct a community survey this summer to understand residents' priorities during these budget challenges. Residents can also contact their commissioner at KitsapCommissioners@kitsap.gov about service priorities. The County will continue providing transparent updates on budget decisions as officials balance essential services with available resources.
| | | | Kitsap County Medical Examiner Seeks Families for 13 Unclaimed Remains | 6/5/2025 | The Kitsap County Medical Examiner's Office is currently in possession of the remains of the following 13 people that are considered either indigent or abandoned. We at the Kitsap County Medical Examiner's Office feel very strongly that these individuals deserve to be treated with respect and dignity, and we would like to place the remains with family or friends if at all possible. Our office has dedicated numerous hours attempting to find family for these individuals to no avail. It is our hope that this joint outreach with the media will reach someone that we have been unable to locate through other means. If you are a friend or family member of any of the following individuals, and would like to claim their cremains, please contact the Kitsap County Medical Examiner's program supervisor Jeffrey Wallis at jwallis@kitsap.gov. | Name | Date of Birth | *Mark Mayberry *Harley Robertson *Renee Lambert *Jerry Cadena *Michael Taylor *Marshal Taylor *Brian Barlow *Barbara Pederson Randy Simonson Keith Price Debbie Harwood Marcus Jones Kimberly Jo Martin | 11/30/1960 06/02/1948 02/04/1960 12/13/1974 02/26/1966 09/10/1959 04/18/1962 03/24/1946 05/07/1956 08/03/1958 03/30/1959 01/06/1972 02/17/1965 |
Any remains notated with an asterisk (*) not claimed before the end of business on July 3, 2025, will be interred at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Bremerton. A public ceremony is tentatively scheduled for 10 a.m. on July 12, 2025.
| | | | Board of Commissioners to Review 17 Rezone Requests as Part of 'Year of the Rural' Initiative | 6/5/2025 | The Kitsap County Board of Commissioners is committed to supporting our communities and preserving the rural character that makes our County special. This year, we're undertaking a comprehensive review of rural policies and development opportunities to ensure we're meeting the needs of rural residents while protecting the landscapes and way of life that define Kitsap. As part of the County's Year of the Rural, the Board is considering 17 rural rezone requests throughout the County. These 17 requests were included in the 2025 docket and represent an important focus on rural development opportunities. Upcoming Key Dates on Rural Rezone Request: - Monday, June 9, 2025 - Staff Briefing (2 to 3:30 p.m.) The Board will receive a staff presentation during their afternoon briefing session to determine which of the 17 requests will proceed for further consideration. While this briefing doesn't include public comment opportunities, community members are welcome to attend in person or participate via Zoom. Related documents will be posted prior to the meeting on the Board of Commissioners e-agenda website.
- Monday, June 23, 2025 - Public Hearing (10 a.m.) If the Board directs changes to the docket during the June 9 briefing, an amended docket will be presented at a meeting on the morning of June 23. This will be a public hearing with opportunities for community input and comment after the staff presentation.
Your input is essential to this process. We encourage you to participate and engage with us throughout the year. Both meetings are open to the public, and details for attending online or in-person are available on the County website. You can also find additional information about this initiative and related documents on our Year of the Rural website. The Year of the Rural will include more chances for input—through community workshops, comment periods, and public hearings. Updates about this program will be provided by our Department of Community Development. To sign up for these, visit our Kitsap County Electronic Notification System registration page and select the topic 'Year of the Rural.' | | | | Kitsap County Welcomes Judge Gina Buskirk at Swearing-in Ceremony in June | 5/29/2025 | The Kitsap County community is invited to witness the swearing-in ceremony of Judge Gina Buskirk as she officially begins her service as District Court judge for Department No. 2. The ceremony will take place on Thursday, June 12. Judge Buskirk was appointed by the Kitsap County Board of Commissioners in April following a comprehensive selection process. She brings more than 20 years of diverse legal experience to the bench, including her current role as partner and managing attorney at Puget Law Group, previous service as city prosecutor for Bremerton, and senior deputy prosecuting attorney for Kitsap County. "We are thrilled to officially welcome Judge Buskirk to our judicial team," said District Court Administrator Robyn Dunham. "Her extensive experience, commitment to justice, and deep understanding of our community's needs will greatly benefit the thousands of residents who interact with our court system each year." Judge Buskirk replaces Judge Jeffrey J. Jahns, who will retire on May 31, 2025, after years of distinguished service. Per Washington state law, Judge Buskirk will serve through the remainder of Judge Jahns' term, which concludes at the end of 2026. "I am deeply honored to take this oath and begin serving the people of Kitsap County," said Judge Buskirk. "I look forward to upholding the principles of fairness, integrity, and justice that our community deserves." Several bar associations rated Buskirk "exceptionally well qualified" for judicial service and she has received numerous honors for her professional excellence. Judge Buskirk earned her juris doctor cum laude from Seattle University School of Law and holds a bachelor of arts from the University of Washington. The swearing-in ceremony is open to the public and the media. EVENT DETAILS: - Date: Thursday, June 12, 2025
- Time: 3:30 p.m.
- Location: Commissioners Chambers, 619 Division St., Port Orchard, Wash. 98366
- Virtual Option: Zoom Meeting ID 828 0684 6974
| | | | Historic Silverdale Cemetery Added to Washington Heritage Register | 5/27/2025 | Silverdale Cemetery, located at 10950 Impasse Pl NW in Silverdale, has officially been added to the Washington Heritage Register, recognizing its enduring cultural and historical significance to the Silverdale community and Washington state. The 4.87-acre cemetery was established in 1896 when William Acker dedicated the land for cemetery use. William Littlewood (1823-1895), a logger and the earliest recorded settler in the Silverdale area appearing in the 1857 census, is believed to be the first community member buried there.
"Silverdale
Cemetery is not only a resting place for many of our community's early settlers
and veterans, but it continues to serve a vital role today. It has been used
for the dignified burial of 92 indigent individuals to date—underscoring its
ongoing relevance and compassionate service to our community," said
Commissioner Katie Walters. "This site holds deep historical significance,
reflecting Silverdale's heritage and the stories of those who helped shape our
region. Recognizing Silverdale Cemetery on the Heritage Register ensures that
its legacy is preserved and honored for generations to come."
The cemetery was formally founded by a group of 20 local men who formed the Silverdale Cemetery Association on Aug. 20, 1917, with the purpose of providing a final resting place for community members. The cemetery houses the remains of many notable Silverdale pioneers including: - Charles E. Greaves (1866-1944), who helped establish the first bank in the area and survived an attempted murder in 1927;
- Christian Braendlein (1861-1932), who named the community of Silverdale; and
- Thomas Hagener (1856-1947), organizer of the first farmer's co-op in the state in 1887.
The cemetery also continues to serve the community in meaningful ways. In 2002, a cemetery member donated two lots to the Kitsap County Medical Examiner's office for the burial of indigent individuals, and to date, 92 indigent community members are buried there. Silverdale Cemetery now joins more than 2,100 other sites listed on the Washington Heritage Register, a statewide program administered by the Department of Archaeology & Historic Preservation (DAHP) that honors locations of exceptional historical significance. In a letter to Commissioner Walters, State Historic Preservation Officer Allyson Brooks, Ph.D., emphasized that listing on the register is an honor that comes with potential benefits, including property tax deductions and code waivers designed to support the preservation of historic resources.
| | | | Medical examiner releases name of victim found at Poulsbo Fish Park | 5/20/2025 | The victim of the incident at the Poulsbo Fish Park on Bond Road on Saturday, May 17, 2025, has been identified as: - Maxwell R. Bowen; a 36-year-old male, with a Kitsap County address listed.
An autopsy was performed by Kitsap County's Chief Medical Examiner, Dr. Lindsey Harle. Cause and manner of death are pending return of toxicology. There is no foul play suspected.
| | | | Medical examiner identifies victim of officer involved shooting in Poulsbo | 5/13/2025 | The victim of the incident at Viking Way and Nordic Cove Lane in Poulsbo on May 7, 2025, has been identified as:
- Justin L. Moegling, a 41-year-old male with a Bremerton address listed.
An autopsy was performed by Kitsap County Chief Medical Examiner, Dr. Lindsey Harle. Cause of death is gunshot wounds to the head, with other significant conditions being gunshot wounds to the extremities. Manner of death is homicide.
| | | | Kitsap County Board of Commissioners Appoints Gina Buskirk as District Court Judge | 4/7/2025 | The Kitsap County Board of Commissioners have announced the appointment of Gina Buskirk as District Court Judge for Department #2. Buskirk will begin her term on June 1, 2025, following the retirement of Judge Jeffrey J. Jahns, who concludes his distinguished service on May 31. "Ms. Buskirk's extensive legal experience and deep community roots make her exceptionally qualified for this position," said Christine Rolfes, Chair of the Kitsap County Board of Commissioners. "Her commitment to justice and fairness will serve our community well." The appointment follows a rigorous selection process announced in February 2025. The Board interviewed five highly qualified candidates for the position last week before announcing Buskirk's appointment today. Board members noted her wide range of experience and community involvement set her apart and made her ready to serve effectively from day one. "I am honored and excited to serve the Kitsap County community as its newest District Court Judge, building upon the years of dedicated service of retiring Judge Jeffrey Jahns. I am committed to upholding the principles of fairness, integrity and a steadfast commitment to justice," said Buskirk. Buskirk brings over 20 years of diverse legal experience to the bench. She currently serves as Partner and Managing Attorney at Puget Law Group, where she has established herself as a respected litigator. Her public service includes roles as City Prosecutor for Bremerton and Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for Kitsap County. She has already demonstrated judicial aptitude as a Judge Pro Tem in multiple jurisdictions throughout the region. "Our court serves thousands of Kitsap County residents each year, and Ms. Buskirk's demonstrated commitment to both professional excellence and community service makes her an ideal addition to our judiciary," said district court administrator Robyn Dunham. Several bar associations rated Buskirk "Exceptionally Well Qualified" for judicial service. And, her professional excellence has been recognized with numerous honors, including the Kitsap County Business Journal's "40 Under 40" award and the YWCA's Woman of Achievement for professional work and civic leadership. Buskirk earned her Juris Doctor cum laude from Seattle University School of Law and holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Washington. She currently serves as the president of the Kitsap County Bar Association. Per Washington state RCW 3.34.100, Buskirk will serve through the remainder of Judge Jahns' term, which concludes at the end of 2026.
| | | | Superior Court Appoints Next Juvenile and Family Court Services Director | 3/3/2025 | The Kitsap County Superior Court Judges today announced the appointment of Shara L. Sauve to the position of Director of Juvenile and Family Court Services. Ms. Sauve succeeds Michael S. Merringer, who retired in January 2025 after serving the citizens of Kitsap County in this role since 2011. Ms. Sauve is currently the Manager of Detention and Facilities in the Pierce County Juvenile Court. Presiding Superior Court Judge Jennifer A. Forbes stated, "The Judges are confident in Shara's ability to bring a unique perspective and a new innovative leadership spirit to our Juvenile Court, building upon the exemplary foundation set by Mr. Merringer and his predecessors." Ms. Sauve joins Kitsap County after more than 23 years in the Pierce County Juvenile Department, where she served as a Probation Officer and Probation Supervisor before assuming her current management role with Juvenile Detention and Facilities. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice and Psychology from Central Washington University. In her tenure with Pierce County, Ms. Sauve also contributed to Juvenile Courts statewide as a Quality Assurance Specialist and a Case Management Assessment Program (CMAP) Trainer. Ms. Sauve's appointment will be effective March 17, 2025. For more about Superior Court and Juvenile and Family Court Services, visit our Kitsap County website.
| | | | Kitsap County Removes Derelict Vessel in Lemolo, Advances New Cross-Jurisdictional Program | 2/25/2025 | Kitsap County successfully removed a 30-foot abandoned sailboat this month demonstrating the effectiveness of local and state collaboration in the derelict vessel removal program. The vessel, submerged since 2020, was located approximately 150 yards offshore in Lemolo, between Keyport and Poulsbo's Liberty Bay. Global Diving crews executed the removal operation, first addressing the mast and collapsed rigging, before using lift bags to refloat the hull. Crews then transported the vessel offsite for future disposal. This removal project, costing approximately $38,000, represents an early success for the County's comprehensive initiative, funded through the National Estuary Program Habitat Strategic Initiative. The program, administered jointly by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), aims to protect Kitsap County's extensive marine shoreline, which includes twelve port districts, numerous piers and marinas, and four incorporated cities. "The successful removal of this abandoned boat highlights our commitment to protecting Liberty Bay and Kitsap County's important marine resources," said Christine Rolfes, Chair of the Kitsap County Board of Commissioners. "This new program creates a coordinated approach across jurisdictions, addressing a critical gap in vessel tracking and enforcement that has historically challenged our local authorities."
Removing the vessel in Lemolo required extensive coordination between multiple stakeholders, including three private tidelands owners, the Port of Poulsbo, DNR, and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Global Diving conducted the removal operation using specialized equipment and expertise.
"By facilitating the coordination of our cities, port districts, and law enforcement agencies, we aim to strengthen the existing DNR Derelict Vessel Program's effectiveness within Kitsap County waters over the next two years."said DCD program supervisor Kirvie Mesebeluu-Yobech.
In a region known for its commercial fishing, aquaculture industries, and recreational boating, the new program aims to preserve both the environmental and economic value of Kitsap County's waters.
"Abandoned vessels pose significant risks to our marine environment and maritime industries," said Rafe Wysham, Director of Community Development. "These vessels can damage marine beds and submerged aquatic vegetation through grounding and dragging anchors. They are navigation hazards and pose risks to water quality that can impact local tribal shellfish harvesting areas. Our new program allows us to address these environmental concerns more effectively while working across jurisdictional boundaries." The Department of Community Development has launched a dedicated project website where residents can learn more about the program and report abandoned vessels. For more information, visit our Derelict Vessel Removal Program webpage. About Kitsap County's Derelict Vessel Removal Program The program works in partnership with the Washington State Department of Natural Resources to identify, prioritize, and remove abandoned and derelict vessels from Kitsap County waters. Through regular stakeholder meetings and cross-jurisdictional coordination, the program focuses on developing long-term solutions for vessel removal while protecting environmental and maritime safety. The initiative is funded through the National Estuary Program Habitat Strategic Initiative and will continue through 2026. ###
| | | | Kitsap County Seeks Community Input for New 5-Year Homeless Housing Plan | 2/10/2025 | Under the direction of the Washington Department of Commerce, the Housing and Homelessness Division of Kitsap County is launching the development of its new five-year Homeless Housing Plan. This comprehensive initiative aims to make homelessness a rare, brief, and one-time occurrence in Kitsap County through an efficient and effective homeless response system.
"Every resident deserves a safe and stable place to call home. This planning process will help us identify gaps in our current system and develop targeted strategies to better serve our community's most vulnerable members," said Housing and Homelessness Program Manager Carl Borg. The county is actively seeking community volunteers to participate in this crucial planning process. A dedicated committee will meet six to eight times before April to help develop survey questions and identify key areas of concern within the community. "Community input is vital to creating an effective plan that truly addresses the needs of our unhoused neighbors," said Human Services Director Doug Washburn. "We need diverse perspectives and experiences to build a long-term strategy that works for everyone." The planning process will incorporate multiple opportunities for input, beginning with the formation of a committee to outline the plan and create a community survey. This collaborative approach ensures that the final plan reflects the diverse needs and perspectives of Kitsap County residents. "Our community's strength lies in our ability to work together toward common goals. Housing stability is fundamental. This five-year plan will serve as our roadmap for creating lasting change in Kitsap County," said Christine Rolfes, chair of the Kitsap County Board of Commissioners. Community members interested in contributing to this important initiative are encouraged to contact Carl Borg at ceborg@kitsap.gov. Last updated in 2019, the current Homeless Crisis Response and Housing Plan has provided a strong foundation for the County's efforts to address homelessness. The plan is expected to build upon existing strategies while incorporating new approaches to meet current challenges. For more information, visit: https://www.kitsapgov.com/hs/Pages/HH-Housing-and-Homelessness-Landing.aspx.
| | | | Medical examiner identifies victim found along SR 3 in Bremerton | 2/10/2025 | The Kitsap County Medical Examiner's Office has released the identity of an individual found along the highway in Bremerton last Friday, Feb. 7. With assistance from the FBI and through the use of fingerprints, the victim found in the 3400 block of State Route 3 has been identified as: - Jeffrey Byler, a 37-year-old male with no permanent address listed.
An autopsy was performed by Kitsap County Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Lindsey Harle. Cause and manner of death are pending toxicology. Foul play is not suspected.
| | | | Port Orchard Judge Sworn In as new Kitsap District Court Commissioner | 2/7/2025 | Kitsap County is pleased to announce the hiring of a new District Court Commissioner. Commissioner Timothy Drury was selected for his extensive legal experience and unwavering commitment to justice and community safety. Drury's distinguished legal career spans nearly three decades in Kitsap County. He spent 24 years with the Kitsap County Prosecutor's Office, three years in private practice focusing on criminal defense, and has served as a Municipal Court Judge for the City of Port Orchard since January 2018. As Municipal Court Judge, Drury has emphasized the importance of public awareness and prevention in maintaining a strong justice system that serves all citizens. "Tim's broad experience in both prosecution and defense, combined with his judicial experience, provides him with a comprehensive understanding of the legal system that will serve him well in his new role as District Court Commissioner," said District Court Administrator Robyn Dunham. Drury was sworn in during a ceremony in late January. This position was approved by the Board of Commissioners during the budgeting process in December to provide additional support to the County's courts system. "The addition of Commissioner Drury reflects an ongoing commitment to ensuring efficient and effective administration of justice for the residents of Kitsap County," said Chair of the Kitsap County Board of Commissioners Christine Rolfes. For more information about Kitsap County courts, visit our District Court and Superior Court websites.
| | | | Board of Commissioners Announce New Meeting Schedule | 2/4/2025 | The Kitsap County Board of Commissioners is pleased to announce updates to its meeting schedule for 2025, aimed at improving accessibility and public engagement. The changes are designed to offer more opportunities for community involvement through varied meeting times and formats. NEW Board of Commissioners Meeting Schedule: - AM Work Session: Mondays at 9 a.m. (except the 4th & 5th Mondays and holidays) in the Port Blakely Conference Room and via Zoom.
- PM Work Session: Mondays at 2 p.m. (except the 5th Monday and holidays) in the Port Blakely Conference Room and via Zoom.
- Work Session: 9 a.m. every Wednesday of each month and 1 p.m. on the 4th Wednesday of each month (except holidays) in the Port Blakely Conference Room and via Zoom.
- Regular Business Meeting: 5:30 p.m. on the 2nd Monday of the month (except December and holidays) in the Commissioner Chambers and via Zoom.
- Regular Business Meeting: 10 a.m. on the 4th Monday of the month (except December and Holidays) in the Commissioner Chambers and via Zoom.
The Board invites residents to join these sessions both in-person and virtually. For more information and to access the full 2025 meeting calendar, visit our Board of Commissioners website.
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