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Residents urge Kitsap commissioners to restore sheriff funding as budget pressures mount
Summary
Multiple public commenters urged the board to restore sheriff funding amid a 3% reduction and structural budget shortfall; commissioners said they are working with the sheriff and state representatives but face constrained county revenues and rising mandates.
Several residents urged Kitsap County commissioners on March 23 to prioritize public safety funding as the county prepares future budgets.
Rick Kus, who identified himself as a Kitsap resident and a retired Navy officer, told the board "the answer is not raising taxes to counteract what this board did to defund the police," and urged restoration of a roughly 3% reduction to the sheriff's budget while adding additional investments in deputies, corrections officers and training. Kus described vacancies and overtime pressure in the sheriff’s office and called for a 6% increase in the 2027 budget to restore and expand staffing.
"Public safety is the foundation of everything," Kus said. "Adopt the 2027 budget to increase by 6%, restore funding, and show the people of Kitsap County that their safety and their tax dollars come first."
Other commenters echoed those concerns. Ryan Engdahl noted an estimated $8 million structural deficit in the county projection and urged future budgets to prioritize public safety staffing; Engdahl cited local staffing levels and crime indicators as reasons to avoid longer‑term reductions in capacity. Commissioners acknowledged the public comments, described recent budget decisions and cost pressures — including jail medical costs and camera contracts — and said they were coordinating with the elected sheriff and state representatives to address revenue and mandate issues.
Commissioner Robinson told the public the sheriff's budget had increased from $58 million to $61 million last year and said the county is balancing rising costs while trying to support public safety. Commissioners said they remain focused on public safety but face limited discretionary capacity in the near term.
The board took no immediate budget action at the meeting; commissioners said budget choices will continue in forthcoming budget sessions and that they will work with the sheriff and other partners to identify options.
