 | | Public Safety Funding Budget Community Meetings Scheduled June 17, 18 and 22 | 6/4/2026 | (Port Orchard, WA) - The Kitsap County Board of Commissioners invite you to an upcoming Community Meeting on the County Budget and Public Safety Funding. The Commissioners from the North, Central, and South Districts, Kitsap County Sheriff, and Prosecutor will share information about County budget shortfalls and funding options. There will also be time to answer questions about potential impacts to law enforcement, public safety, and other County services. At the meetings, you can expect to: - HEAR about the County budgeting process
- LEARN about the 2027 County budget and fiscal outlook
- SHARE feedback about the budget with your elected officials
- ASK questions about the budget and proposed sales and use tax to your elected officials
Wednesday, June 17 - 6:30 PM
North Kitsap Fire & Rescue Headquarters
26642 Miller Bay Road NE, Kingston Thursday, June 18 - 6:30 PM
Central Kitsap Fire & Rescue Administration Building
5300 NW Newberry Hill Road, Silverdale Monday, June 22 - 6:30 PM
Kitsap County Board of Commissioners Chambers
619 Division Street, Port Orchard
Doors open at 6 PM for all events. Learn about Kitsap County's budget at kcowa.us/budget.
Contact Information: Kimberly Pleger, Communications &
Community Engagement Manager, Office of the Board of County Commissioners,
360.337.5777
| | | | Secure Your Load for Safer Roads campaign returns with cargo net giveaways | 6/2/2026 | June 1, 2026 Secure Your Load for Safer Roads campaign returns with giveawaysThe Kitsap County Solid Waste Division is once again partnering with the statewide Secure Your Load for Safer Roads campaign to help residents properly secure cargo and prevent dangerous debris on local roads. Throughout June, we're giving away free cargo nets and ratchet straps, while supplies last. Unsecured vehicle loads remain a major safety issue across Washington. In 2025, unsecured loads contributed to 324 crashes and 13 injuries statewide. Debris falling from vehicles also accounts for nearly 40% of roadside litter. Locally, Kitsap 911 received 430 calls last year reporting debris on county roads, including tires, ladders, lumber, buckets, and loose equipment. Each item reported had the potential to cause a serious collision. Driving with an unsecured vehicle load is illegalWashington law requires vehicle loads to be properly secured. Fines for unsecured loads can range from $50 to $5,000, with higher penalties possible if debris causes injury, property damage, or a collision. Kitsap County waste facilities also charge a $10 unsecured load fee to customers arriving with improperly secured cargo. Since 2023, the County has collected more than $16,000 in unsecured load fees, which helps fund roadside litter cleanup efforts. Tips for securing your vehicle loadBefore driving, remember to: - Secure items with straps, nets, or tarps.
- Tie down large items directly to the vehicle or trailer.
- Cover loose or lightweight materials.
- Double-check your load before leaving.
- Avoid overloading your vehicle.
- Secure tools and equipment, not just garbage or recyclables.
Even short trips can become dangerous if cargo shifts or falls onto the roadway. “We’re encouraging everyone to take a few extra minutes to properly secure their vehicle and trailer loads before driving,” said Sarah Champ, coordinator of this year’s campaign. “Even if you’re only traveling a short distance, unsecured cargo can quickly become a serious safety hazard. Talk to your friends, family, and coworkers. Make sure they don't hit the road without first securing their cargo properly.” Law enforcement patrols and education effortsState troopers will conduct emphasis patrols across Washington during three consecutive weekends in June. On June 5 and June 11, 2026, a Deputy with the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office will provide education at Olympic View Transfer Station. Free cargo net and ratchet strap giveawaysDrivers can pick up free cargo-securing equipment at the following events while supplies last: Additionally, outreach staff will educate drivers at Kitsap County garbage and recycling facilities on select dates throughout June. Secure Your Load Day proclaimed in Kitsap CountyThe Kitsap Board of County Commissioners has proclaimed June 6, 2026, as Secure Your Load Day in Kitsap County to raise awareness about roadway safety and honor those impacted by unsecured vehicle loads. Throughout June and July, Kitsap County will share educational content and campaign resources using the hashtag #SecureYourLoadWA. See dangerous debris on the road?Call 911 if you see: - a dangerous unsecured load while driving.
- something fall off a vehicle that could cause a crash or injure someone.
| | | | Commissioner’s Corner Shares the Future Vision and Needs for the Courthouse | 3/6/2026 | PORT ORCHARD, Wash. – For decades, the Kitsap County Courthouse has been at the center of our judicial system – a place where decisions are made every day that affect families, businesses, and public safety. But behind the scenes, the building itself has been struggling to keep up with the demands of a modern justice system. In the latest Commissioner's Corner video, District 2 Commissioner Oran Root speaks with Acting Assistant Director Todd Parkington and Judge Melissa Hemstreet to find out why the courthouse needs more than another short-term fix; what's driving the decision to modernize it, and what these changes mean for the people who use the building every day. With close to 230,000 people visiting the courthouse every year, this 90-year regional public facility is critically important to county operations. Years of temporary fixes have kept it operational, and future plans will solve issues around safety, accessibility and capacity. Watch Commissioner's Corner: The full episode featuring Commissioner Root, Acting Assistant Director of Capital Facilities Todd Parkington, and Kitsap County Superior Court Judge Melissa Hemstreet is available anytime on BKAT's YouTube channel. For more information and to stay informed of progress on modernizing the Courthouse, visit the project webpage. Contacts: Kym Pleger, Communications Manager, Kitsap County Public Works
| | | | Board of County Commissioners Postpones Equestrian Facility Code to 2026 | 10/13/2025 | The Kitsap County Board of Commissioners directed the Department of Community Development (DCD) today to separate the Equestrian Facility Code component from the rest of the Year of the Rural project. This decision allows the County and community to focus on other Year of the Rural topics during the 2025 public process while providing additional time for engagement, discussion, research, and refinement of the proposed Equestrian Facility Code. A reference to the future Equestrian Facility Code update will be added to the Rural and Resource Lands Chapter in 2025, recognizing the value of equestrian businesses to Kitsap County and the broader community, while also acknowledging the potential impacts of equestrian facilities on neighboring rural properties. Code work will continue, with potential adoption anticipated by mid-year 2026. As part of this transition, the County will evaluate additional opportunities for neighbors and community members to share feedback regarding higher levels of equestrian activities. For updates and future meeting information, please visit our Year of the Rural webpage. And, be sure to check out our Kitsap County Rural and Resource Lands Chapter Update Story Map.
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