The Kitsap County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously Oct. 12 to adopt a new 0.1% sales and use tax to fund criminal justice services. The tax takes effect Jan. 1, 2027, and is expected to raise about $7.7 million a year.
The Kitsap County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously Oct. 12 to adopt a new 0.1% sales and use tax to fund criminal justice services. The tax takes effect Jan. 1, 2027, and is expected to raise about $7.7 million a year.
The county said most residents can expect to pay about $20 to $40 more per year, depending on household spending.
The tax is allowed under House Bill 2015, passed by the Legislature in 2025. It lets local governments add a 0.1% sales and use tax dedicated to criminal justice, provided the law enforcement agencies receiving the money meet state Criminal Justice Training Commission standards for policies, training and accountability. The revenue may only be used for law and justice purposes.
More than 76% of the county’s budget goes to public safety, and costs are rising faster than revenue because of limits on property tax growth and increased service demands, according to the county.
“This was a difficult decision, knowing how it affects all our families,” said Board Chair Oran Root. “House Bill 2015 provides counties with a crucial funding bridge for public safety.”
Interim Sheriff Kenneth Dickinson said that without the tax the county could not avoid losing 12 corrections officers and nine deputy sheriffs. The county said the money will help maintain staffing in the Sheriff’s Office and jail, keep court and legal services running, update equipment and support crime-prevention and reentry programs.
More information is at kcowa.us/HB2015.
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