The Kitsap County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution at its June 9 meeting implementing a temporary hiring freeze through Dec. 31, citing budget challenges for the past several years.

The measure addresses a projected $8 million budget shortfall for fiscal year 2026, with similar challenges expected in future years. The county’s $609 million 2025 budget includes a $134 million general fund constrained by revenue limitations and rising expenditures, per a news release.

The 1% cap on property tax growth and flat sales tax growth — 1.5% in 2023, 3% in 2024, with 2% projected for 2025 — is not sufficient to keep pace with mounting costs, the release says. Personnel expenses represent more than 70% of the general fund. Insurance costs doubled from $4 million in 2019 to $8 million today. Jail medical contract services increased 217% — $3.9 million since 2018.

“The hiring freeze is a tool to alleviate budgetary pressure through natural attrition while maintaining essential services,” said Torie Brazitis, county administrator. “This is one step in addressing our budget challenges, but it won’t be the last required as we work through these multi-year fiscal constraints.”

The hiring freeze includes specific limitations. Positions categorically exempted by the resolution can continue to be filled, including sheriff’s deputies, corrections officers, and certain maintenance and operations roles. Other positions, such as those essential to public safety, will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis for exception. Current recruitments at the interview stage will continue.

“This budget challenge isn’t new. We’ve been working on it for the past couple of years through thoughtful planning and spending reductions,” said Christine Rolfes, chair of the Board of County Commissioners. “We have many community needs but are being realistic about our financial position. By prioritizing our core commitments, we can continue providing the essential services our residents expect.”