Residents press Kitsap County on public‑safety funding, sewer billing and housing concerns during public comment

Multiple residents raised a range of concerns during the public‑comment portion of the Kitsap County Board of Commissioners’ March 9 meeting.

John Gore of Silverdale urged the county to adopt a proclamation supporting International Dark Sky Week (proposed April 13–19, 2026) and offered data on bird migration: “Fun fact, 13.1 or more million birds will fly over our county in a season,” he said, and offered to provide additional materials to staff to support the proclamation.

A resident questioned why funding appears to differ between fire departments and the sheriff’s office and suggested the county consider changes to make public‑safety funding more equitable. The commenter asked the board to review funding sources and priorities so that emergency services and law enforcement are more evenly supported.

Another resident cited a Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office release about a Bremerton‑area arrest, saying a background check revealed “26 prior felony convictions” and arguing the case illustrated the importance of adequate sheriff’s resources. The commenter also referenced long response times cited in neighboring jurisdictions and urged prioritizing sheriff funding.

Robert Larson, a property owner, disputed county statements that a demolition triggered a sewer disconnection. He said he confirmed with Kitsap County Public Works that the property had a sewer connection and that the only way to stop billing is to pull a sewer disconnection permit. Larson asked for a promised follow‑up meeting with county staff to review records and said he applied in February 2025; he contested a staff assertion tied to an ordinance he said did not go into effect until October 2025.

Adrianne Bremerton, who identified herself as working for the Kitsap Housing Authority, urged the board to look beyond statistics when meeting with the consolidated housing authority, to consult maintenance and property managers, and to consider the human impacts of service and maintenance shortfalls on residents post‑COVID.

No formal board actions were taken in response to these public comments during the meeting; commissioners acknowledged the comments and indicated some items may appear on future agendas for follow‑up or additional information from staff. The meeting then proceeded to other items and adjourned.