PORT ORCHARD — Kitsap County commissioners approved about $7.8 million in 2027 mental health, addiction-treatment and therapeutic-court grants Nov. 9, while asking staff for more information about a school-support program funded by the county treatment sales tax.
The funding schedule attached to the resolution totals $7,800,762. It supports services ranging from early intervention and crisis response to treatment, housing and long-term recovery.
New awards include $200,000 for Peninsula Community Health Services medical kiosks, $89,000 for Micgra Psych’s psychiatric services for veterans and $110,000 for the Suquamish Tribe’s Wellness Center.
Program planner Hannah Shockley told commissioners the kiosks would expand access to harm-reduction supplies and prevention resources at clinics without pharmacies or with limited pharmacy hours.
Other new awards include $50,000 for Helpline House mental health counseling, $100,000 for West Sound Treatment Center’s Fuller House repairs and $115,000 for Olive Branch Culture recovery housing for people involved in the justice system.
Continuing awards include $867,278 for Superior Court’s adult drug court, $563,253 for District Court’s behavioral health court and $450,000 for Kitsap Mental Health Services’ Pendleton Place supportive housing.
The program is financed by a one-tenth-of-1% sales tax, equivalent to 1 cent on a $10 taxable purchase. Kitsap County adopted the tax in 2013 after state legislation authorized counties to use it for new or expanded treatment services and therapeutic courts.
Shockley said an 11-member advisory committee evaluates applications and makes recommendations. Continuing applicants are assessed on outcomes, costs, county priorities and contract performance, she said.
During public comment, Robert Parker questioned continued funding for the Olympic Educational Service District, arguing that the county should direct more money toward new programs.
The approved schedule includes $300,000 for the district’s Student Assistant Professional program.
Commissioner Christine Rolfes said the educational service district does not have its own levy authority and asked staff to explain how the county funding fits with its school services. She requested information on the program’s previous-year work and staffing.
Board Chair Oran Root also asked for more information about results and the county’s role in funding school-based services. Both commissioners supported the resolution.
The funding schedule is available at https://agendasuite.org/iip/kitsap/file/getfile/4084.
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