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Residents press Poulsbo council for clearer emergency plan as mayor seeks part‑time coordinator
Summary
Multiple residents raised concerns about civil unrest and broader emergency readiness; Mayor Erickson proposed hiring a 0.5 FTE Emergency Management Coordinator to update plans, run exercises and create an operations center. Council debated timing, DEM coordination and a $52,000 budget amendment.
Mayor Erickson told the council she wants the city to move quickly to hire a half‑time Emergency Management Coordinator to update Poulsbo’s emergency plan, establish an emergency operations center and run staff and community training.
“It's really important that we establish — we don't even really have a real location for our EOC,” the mayor said, urging the council to authorize hiring sooner rather than waiting for the next budget cycle. Anne Le Sage, Bainbridge Island’s emergency manager, joined the meeting and described the program Poulsbo would model. Le Sage said developing staff training, community outreach and an operational EOC took Bainbridge several years and recommended local, dedicated capacity rather than relying solely on county support.
Public comment framed the request as urgent. “What is the City of Poulsbo’s plan for dealing with civil unrest?” asked Claudia Grama, who said residents want clear instructions and communication if divisions escalate around the November election. Multiple residents and councilmembers noted recent local incidents (flooding, a failed generator, sinkholes and pandemic responses) as evidence that planning and training are needed now, not later.
Councilmembers debated budget timing and coordination with Kitsap County Department of Emergency Management (DEM). Councilmember Stern and others encouraged bringing DEM to a business meeting for questions; some members said hiring immediately would provide time for training even if actual onboarding takes months. The mayor indicated the proposed budget amendment would be roughly $52,000 to fund the 0.5 FTE position and associated startup tasks.
The council did not take a final vote on the hire at the workshop. Staff said they will invite Kitsap DEM to the next business meeting, provide cost details, and return the proposal on the business agenda for a formal decision.
