County Commissioners to host meeting in Poulsbo

Published 10:00 am Monday, October 1, 2007

POULSBO — The Kitsap County Board of Commissioners is ready to chat, and is inviting the public to join the exchange.

The commissioners will meet with residents at 7 p.m. Oct. 2 for an informational session at the North Kitsap High School. It is the second of three “community conversations” designed to allow board members the chance to give an overview of the county’s budget and its current financial challenges. In addition, the board will listen to comments and questions from citizens concerning the priorities for county services.

“We want to hear from citizens in every part of the county, and from every perspective about their concerns,” said Commissioner Josh Brown. “Establishing the budget is one of the most basic yet critical roles of the board of county commissioners. The budget sets the priorities. This year, we are faced with having to cut $4 million from our general fund. Ben Holland, our Administrative Services Manager, will provide an overview of our budget and the fiscal constraints we operate under. Hearing from citizens directly about the issues that are impacting them will greatly aid us in making those difficult decisions this year.”

The first “community conversation” was held Sept. 25 in Port Orchard. The final meeting will be offered at 7 p.m. Oct. 11 at Olympic High School in East Bremerton. For more information on the meetings call the commissioner’s office at (360) 337-7146.