Governance

In July 2015 the CENCOM Board decided to bring our leadership under a single organization so that Kitsap 911 is more responsive to the changing needs and demographics in our region, more effective at managing our resources, nimbler (increasing our ability to quickly solve problems and take advantage of opportunities, and more transparent (making our plans and decisions more visible). Since that time CENCOM has transitioned from Kitsap County Central Communication, a department of Kitsap County, to Kitsap 911, Public Authority. Kitsap 911 Public Authority began operations on 12/26/2016.

Kitsap 911 is governed by the Board of Directors which is made up of the same elected officials that served on the CENCOM policy board: the three county commissioners and the sheriff, the mayors of Bainbridge Island, Bremerton, Port Orchard, and Poulsbo, three fire commissioners, and two Bremerton City Council members. The Board meets monthly on the first Tuesday of the month. The meeting schedule may be located on our website at: http://www.kitsap911.org/policy-board-calendar/.

The purpose of the board is to control and oversee Kitsap 911’s operations and funds, correct any deficiencies, and assure that the purposes described in the Ordinance and Charter are reasonably accomplished. Some of the actions requiring approval of the Board are:

• Reviewing and adopting an annual budget, separate capital budget and amendments;
• Establishing appropriate fees for 911 emergency communications services provided by contract to other public agencies (“service fees”);
• Approving all capital expenditures in excess of $50,000;
• Appointment of the Kitsap 911 Executive Director;
• Establishing and amending the Service Fee Formula;
• Making and amending the Bylaws;
• Strategic Plan Adoption.

The Strategic Advisory Board is composed of police and fire chiefs of Kitsap 911 participating agencies. This board provides advice and input to the Kitsap 911 Board of Directors and the Executive Director on topics that may include:

• Significant administrative issues and policies, staffing and service levels, and funding.
• Budget proposals, operational procedures, and other matters related to day-to-day operations;