POSITION STATEMENT
The Proposed Incorporation of the City of Silverdale
Our Department:
Central Kitsap Fire and Rescue provides emergency response services to approximately 72,000 citizens over an area of 115 square miles, including the communities of Silverdale, Olympic View, Seabeck, Holly, Crosby, Lake Symington, Lake Tahuyeh, Brownsville, Illahee, Meadowdale, Tracyton, North Perry, Chico and Wildcat Lake.
Central Kitsap Fire and Rescue operates from 12 stations that are staffed through a combination of career and volunteer professionals. Currently, our membership totals 76 career firefighters, 83 volunteer firefighters, and 23 chief officers and administrative personnel. The district responds to 7,000 incidents annually, including emergency medical services, fire suppression, fire prevention, rescue, and hazardous materials. Many of our members are very active in community organizations, education programs and local activities.
Central Kitsap Fire and Rescue was formed through a merging of six individual fire districts since its initial formation in 1942. This consolidation trend continues nationally as communities look to maximize the quality of their fire service for the tax revenues they receive.
Impact on Our Service:
If the proposed incorporation is successful, The City of Silverdale could encompass approximately 17,000 residents in a 9 square mile area that is currently protected by Central Kitsap Fire and Rescue. The assessed property value of this area would total approximately $1.9 billion, which represents 27.4% of the entire district’s taxing authority. If the district were to lose 27.4% of its operating revenue, its ability to continue providing the same high quality service to the district’s remaining unincorporated 106 square miles would be significantly impacted.
Our Position:
If the City of Silverdale successfully incorporates, the newly formed city would have the option to annex fire protection services back to Central Kitsap Fire & Rescue. This option would preserve current service levels, without interruption, throughout the entire Central Kitsap region.
The fire district’s position on the incorporation is one of neutrality. However, impact to the level of fire protection services to the region could be significant, and it is the position of Central Kitsap Fire & Rescue that annexation of fire protection services back into Central Kitsap Fire & Rescue by the new City would ensure continuity of the current service levels, and be in the best interest of the citizens of our community. | 
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