When proposition No. 1 passes in November, Port Orchard will join almost all other Washington cities its size and become a non-charter code city.This will also move our community toward greater consistency in our local government with a council-city manager form of government.

Professional city management eliminates the loss of momentum due to reorganization and focus that occurs with each newly elected mayor.

Grants, which are great ways to multiply resources, will be more easily accessed by a city manager. Professional management has networks to share ideas without political interference and business thrives with consistency in government.

In addition, it is reasonable to expect a manager to net a 2 to 5 percent reduction in operating expenses due to improvements in office efficiency alone.

These are a few reasons why many cities like Port Orchard, use a council-city manager form of government.

While a new council will make the financial decisions regarding the search methods and compensation for a city manager, the average salary cost is about $130,000 plus negotiated benefits.

This position replaces another, and maybe two positions and as a result is not an entirely new expense. Potential expenses for recruiting and severance are one-time expenses and become costs only if council agrees.

None of these costs are connected to utility rates or other direct costs to the public and the difference is small compared to the over-all budget of the city and the savings mentioned above.

Port Orchard deserves to be run like a business, managed by a professionally trained manager.  Vote “Yes” on Proposition No. 1.

Deb Schmitt | Port Orchard