Chamber endorses Silverdale incorporation

At its May meeting, the Silverdale Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors voted, on behalf of the organization, to endorse the possible incorporation of Silverdale.

The decision is based on a number of factors including the recommendations of a task force established to research the matter, according to the Silverdale Chamber of Commerce.

A chamber members’ poll indicated that the majority of respondents supported the idea of incorporation and survey responses from non-members showed a strong preference for incorporation as well.

During the survey process, business owners and citizens of the area identified by the Urban Growth Area expressed concerns about law enforcement and fire and rescue services as well as how incorporation would affect the cost of living in the area. The Silverdale Chamber said that Silverdale, with its vital economic base and outstanding current relationships with both the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office and Central Kitsap Fire & Rescue, could transition those relationships to serve incorporated Silverdale.

The Silverdale Chamber said that with incorporation, the funds generated within the community, especially through the sales tax base, could quickly bring projects such as the Central Kitsap Community Campus to fruition. CK organizations that host events, festivals, attractions, promotions and special events would be able to access tax funds generated in their own community for the direct benefit of their community, according to the Silverdale Chamber.

Chamber officials said they will continue to collect information about a possible Silverdale incorporation in hopes of being able to answer citizen questions. The information will be made available to the public as it is compiled.

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