Port Orchard council approves $2.5M state‑pooled financing, county lease and new website software; creates ad hoc meeting‑rules committee

The Port Orchard City Council on Dec. 16 approved three business items and created an ad hoc committee to review the city’s meeting rules.

Council authorized an ordinance enabling the city to participate in the Washington State Treasurer’s local financing program to reimburse the general fund for the October acquisition of 1333 Lloyd Parkway. Finance staff said the city will borrow $2,500,000 under a 20‑year financing lease and that the pooled sale is anticipated in February 2026. Finance Director Noah Crocker said the state recently reported interest in a 3.7%–4.1% range and that roughly $200,000 in annual debt‑service is expected under current rate estimates. "The local program allows participants to access national tax‑exempt markets through a competitive bid process," Crocker said, explaining the lease/leaseback structure used to participate in the state pool. The ordinance passed on voice vote.

Council also authorized a one‑year lease with Kitsap County for the city’s 730 Prospect Street building. City staff reported the county requested a short term because of funding constraints; the rent is $95,700 for the year and the tenant will pay utilities. The staff report said the city will retain control of eight parking stalls; the mayor clarified six are used for city vehicles and two are for employee use. The motion to authorize execution of the lease passed unanimously.

Separately, the council approved a purchase agreement with CivicPlus for a new city website, public‑records request software and agenda management tools in an amount not to exceed $55,960 (including tax). Brandy Wallace, who presented the procurement, told the council the project will be implemented under a piggyback GSA contract and that the vendor will provide data transfer and implementation support. She said the anticipated timeline is roughly three to six months and described built‑in redaction and search/OCR capabilities that will streamline public‑records requests.

Finally, the council acted on an added business item to establish an ad hoc council committee to review and recommend changes to Chapter 2.04 (council meetings). Council member Rose (maker of the motion) asked that the committee be short‑term and report back to the full council; the council approved forming the committee and directed member selection through the usual committee‑assignment process.

Next procedural steps: the local program sale is scheduled for Feb. 2026, the 730 Prospect lease will be executed by the mayor under the approved terms, and CivicPlus staff said implementation updates will be provided as the project proceeds.