City of Poulsbo September E-Newsletter-Revised | | | | |
City of Poulsbo Holiday Hours. Please plan accordingly so that we may best serve you: Closed for Labor Day - on Monday, September 1, 2025.
Garbage service will be on regular schedule.
| | |
City Administrator's Vennlig Hilsener
By Rob Gelder
| | |
Hilsen,
With Labor Day arriving this weekend and school in session shortly thereafter, we welcome the change of seasons but also acknowledge a large amount of work that has occurred and is about to happen.
Whether it was the resurfacing of streets, improvements along the Noll Road Corridor or boardwalk railings, the construction season is still in full swing while the weather is nice. But this September will celebrate two major milestones for the City of Poulsbo. On the 16th of September at noon, we will be hosting a ribbon cutting for the Nordic Cottages - the 8 units of affordable housing the city has been creating on Lincoln in downtown. Secondly, also on the 16th, we will host an open house at Sips in downtown from 5 to 7 p.m. to spotlight our pre-approved Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) plans, along with funders, builders and other professionals that can answer questions for how you might create one on your lot.
I'm constantly amazed at the creativity and "can do" attitude that your city staff bring forth each and every day.
Thanks for being part of our community, and enjoy the read.
| | |
Volunteer Vacancies. Poulsbo's Parks and Recreation Committee and Poulsbo's Tree Board each have vacancies. If you are interested in serving on any of these commissions, please consider applying today.
Please use the volunteer application found at Boards and Commission Volunteer Application. Applications can be emailed to cityclerks@cityofpoulsbo.com or turned into the City Clerk's Office at 200 NE Moe Street. Please call (360) 394-9880 with questions.
| | Housing, Health and Human Services Department Update | | Nordic Cottages Open House. After years of community discussions, fundraising, partnership-making, planning, and (for the last few months) construction, the Nordic Cottages will open to residents this October. This is the City’s first affordable housing project made possible through a partnership with Housing Kitsap and Gateway Fellowship Church. Once open, it will provide eight homes for low income seniors (55 and over) and individuals with disabilities along with access to community gardens. Please join us at an open house on September 16 from noon to 2pm and-if you like digging in the dirt-consider volunteering to install planter beds on September 2 and 3. Contact Kim at kimberlyh@cityofpoulsbo.com for more information. | | September is Recovery Month and H3 is proud to support recovery efforts at the City's Recovery Cafe, Recovery Resource Center, and the Nelson House Recovery Residence. Staff from all three initiatives will be talking about their work at the City Council meeting on September 3, and Mayor Erickson will be issuing a recovery month proclamation. | | Back to School Vaccinations. Kitsap Public Health offers free vaccinations for children 18 years and younger and no insurance is required. They offer most childhood and school-required vaccines and you can call ahead to check availability. The next clinic is in Bremerton on September 24; more information here: Children's Vaccine Clinic | Kitsap Public Health | | Planning and Economic Development Department Update | | |
Are You Looking to Add a Small, Second Home on Your Property? Aka ADU?
If you have ever thought about building a smaller, second unit on your property, the City of Poulsbo is hosting an evening event where you can connect with bankers, builders, legal pros, realtors, city staff and a member of our community that just built an ADU to get your questions answered. Also, we will share with you our architecturally designed ADU plans that are available for use in Poulsbo and across the County. Come to an informal open house at The Sip, located at 18801 Front Street NE on Tuesday evening, September 16th from 5 to 7 pm. This is a drop in event, light snacks are provided and beverages for purchase. RSVP not required, but appreciated at plan&econ@cityofpoulsbo.com We hope to see you there!
Who You Can Connect With: Lora Benson (ADU owner and Realtor Windermere Poulsbo); Carl Paulino, Loan Officer, Umpqua Bank; Chris Kirkley, Chief Lending Officer, Peninsula Credit Union; Joey Soller, Realtor, Keller Williams; Terrance Wilson, Wilson Law Group, Real Estate Development; Todd Cain, Wing Point Construction Company; Robert Baglio, BJC Group, Inc; and City of Poulsbo - Planning, Building & Engineering staff and MORE!
| | |
Downtown Parking Changes Coming As Soon As October 1
Big changes are coming to downtown parking this fall. Starting as soon as October 1, 2025, time limits will be updated on portions of Front Street, Jensen Street, Moe Street, 3rd Avenue, King Olaf Lot, City Hall Parking garage and Anderson Parkways to make sure high-demand spaces turn (see image below). At the same time, a third-party enforcement officer (LAZ Parking) will patrol downtown using license plate reader technology, and fines for overstaying the limit will increase from $30 to $60. Why the changes? Downtown Poulsbo’s parking is limited, and as more people visit, we need spaces to be available for customers and visitors—not filled by long-term parking. Over the last 2.5 years, the City Council has worked step by step on this issue: creating a parking committee, hiring a consultant to study solutions, passing a resolution to implement enforcement and later paid parking in 2026, and bringing in an outside enforcement/ambassador agency. Together, these actions aim to keep downtown accessible and welcoming for all.
| | |
Get to Know Downtown Parking Enforcement Team
LAZ Parking is excited to have been selected to support the City of Poulsbo in managing its parking inventory for employees and visitors as the City continues to grow. LAZ was founded in 1981 and is one of the largest parking operators in North America, with over 5,300 locations in 639 Cities, and employs over 20,000 parking professionals. We plan and manage parking, and offer shuttle and valet services. We even have a development arm that designs and builds parking garages.
We are currently working on the operations setup which includes purchasing the patrol vehicle and mobile LPR (License Plate Recognition) cameras and setting up the employee permitting software. In early September, the LAZ team will join City staff in reaching out to businesses directly to provide detailed information and instructions about the complimentary employee parking permits. We will also answer questions about the upcoming permitting and enforcement operations and provide our contact information for any follow up questions and feedback.
Morgan Tegtow will be the Parking Operations Manager working in Poulsbo, and lives just down the road in Bremerton. Morgan has worked with LAZ since 2009 and has a wide variety of parking experience.
Eli Armitstead is a lifelong resident of West Seattle with over 18 years of parking management experience and will oversee Morgan and the Poulsbo parking operations.
Laura Larson has worked in the parking industry in the Northwest since 1988 and will be assisting in the setup process once she returns from her (coincidental) first trip to Norway in late August.
We are excited for the opportunity to help support the future growth of the City of Poulsbo and its businesses by managing the limited parking supply utilizing proven tools and technologies. We look forward to seeing you on the Streets around Downtown!
| | Morgan Tegtow, Laura Larson and Eli Armitstead from LAZ Parking | | Engineering and Building Department Update | | |
Noll Road Corridor Project
Work continues on the north segment and middle segment of the Noll Road Corridor Improvements Project. The north segment includes the area between Mesford Road to Lincoln Road (encompassing Langaunet Lane, Kevos Pond Ct, and Maranatha Lane), while the middle segment includes the area of Noll Road from Johnson Parkway to Bjorn Street, and the pedestrian entrance to Poulsbo Elementary School. There is currently a road detour around Langaunet Lane, which will be in place for approximately three months, as well as a road detour at Maranatha Lane for the next two months. Construction is expected to continue through summer 2026. Please contact the Engineering Department if you have questions at 360-394-9882, or visit our website for project and schedule updates at https://cityofpoulsbo.com/noll-rd-north-construction. Thank you for your patience and understanding throughout this project.
| | Stormwater Vault Installation at Langaunet Lane | | Poulsbo Elementary School Sidewalk Improvements | | |
AKTIV Mixed-Use Building
The site of the new Aktiv Building is currently under construction off SR305 at Harrison Street and 9th Avenue. This former vacant lot will be developed into a four-story mixed-use building of approximately 40,634 total square feet, with ten commercial and/or short-term lease units on the first floor and 34 long-term apartments above, as well as an outdoor rooftop deck and basement parking.
| | |
Building Update
Water and Sewer Connection Fees were updated on July 1, 2025. Please visit our website for the latest fees: https://cityofpoulsbo.com/building-department.
There was a total of 35 permits issued by the Building Department in the month of July for a total valuation of $4,169,453.18. Permits include homes in the new Winslow Ridge development and stormwater detention vault permits for the Noll Road project.
Please visit the new FAQ section on our Building webpage titled “Do I Need A Building Permit” for some of our most commonly asked questions regarding building permits in the City. Included are examples of projects that do and do not require a building permit. There are also links on our webpage to our various building permit applications and public portal. As always, if you have questions, our Building Department is available to assist you at building@cityofpoulsbo.com or 360-394-9882.
| | Finance Department Update | | |
The Office of the Washington State Auditor completed the City’s Financial Audit, including a Federal Grant Compliance Audit, on July 29, 2025. The official audit report can be found online at sao.wa.gov, or to view the report, please click here.
Additionally, each year the Finance Department produces an Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the fiscal year ending December 31. Starting in 2001, and every year since, the City has won the Government Finance Officers Association’s “Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting”, the highest achievement for government reporting. The 2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report has been submitted to GFOA for award consideration, and can be found on the City website under the Finance Department, or by clicking here.
| | |
WPTA Certificate of Excellence Awarded to the City of Poulsbo
Washington Public Treasurers Association has awarded a Certificate of Excellence to the City of Poulsbo for its Investment Policy, judged by an impartial statewide panel as meeting the high standards of the Investment Policy Certification Program.
The City of Poulsbo’s Finance Department will be recognized formally at the next WPTA Annual Conference in Chelan, Washington, for putting in the hard work to elevate the agency’s policy to best-practice level, making its policy an example that others might emulate, and to better serve our citizens and taxpayers.
| | |
2025-2026 Budget
Are you curious about your City’s budget? This Fall is a great opportunity to get involved in the budget process as the City updates the 2025-2026 biennial budget.
City Council meetings from October through December will have agenda items specific to the mid-biennium budget update including two public hearings. Citizens are invited to provide comments during public hearings and are allotted five minutes.
The public hearings are currently scheduled for October 15, 2025, and November 19, 2025. Adoption of the 2025-2026 Mid-biennium Budget Amendment is scheduled for December 17, 2025.
Please check the City Council’s meeting calendar and agenda site, https://cityofpoulsbo.com/agenda-minutes/ to stay current as schedules may change.
The City of Poulsbo’s 2025-2026 Biennial Budget can be found here, https://cityofpoulsbo.com/finance-department-reports-documents/. Physical copies are available at the Poulsbo branch of the Kitsap Regional Library and at the 3rd floor counter of City Hall.
| | |
Water Rates
Per Ordinance No. 2025-06 water rates increased by 6% beginning July 1, 2025. For water saving tips visit www.cityofpoulsbo.com/public-works and select “Tips for Saving Water” under Quick Links.
| | |
Seasonal Averaging for Sewer Billing
The sewer portion of your utility bill is based on your metered water. For residential accounts, the City recognizes there will be outdoor irrigation in the summer and the water used may not flow into the City’s sewer system. Because of this, we take the winter (November to May) monthly average of water usage and apply this “Seasonal Averaging” when calculating the sewer portion of your bill from June to October.
Seasonal Averaging creates a significant savings on the sewer portion of the utility bill for many residents who increase their water usage in the summer! Seasonal Averaging applies to sewer only, so you will still be billed for all actual water usage.
Seasonal Averaging began with your June bill and keep in mind to end outdoor irrigation in mid-October; Leif Erikson Day or Indigenous Peoples’ Day are helpful dates to help you remember to end summer water use.
| | |
Reduced Rates
Eligibility information and application forms for the Low-Income Senior and Disabled Reduced Rate Utility Program are available online at: https://cityofpoulsbo.com/utility-billing/. For further assistance, contact the Finance Department at 360-394-9881.
| | |
Utility Billing Auto-Payment.
The City offers auto-pay as an option to pay your utility bill. Have your payment automatically deducted from your bank account on the 20th of every month. Click here for additional details and an application. If you’d like an application mailed to you, please contact the Finance Department at (360) 394-9881.
| | |
BUSINESS & OCCUPATION (B&O) TAXES
September 30, 2025 is the third quarter close date for quarterly B&O filers. B&O tax is due October 31, 2025 for Q3.
QUICK FACTS
-
City B&O tax is separate and has different guidelines and exemptions than Washington State B&O Tax.
-
Businesses who gross over $100,000 revenue generated in Poulsbo annually will submit B&O tax quarterly, businesses who gross under $100,000 annually will submit B&O tax annually (due January 31).
- Quarterly filing dates are:
o January 1 – March 31 due April 30
o April 1 – June 30 due July 31
o July 1- September 30 due October 31
o October 1 – December 31 due January 31
- Non-profit organizations are exempt from paying the City’s B&O tax, but are required to file an annual zero return by January 31. However, if a non-profit sells merchandise, collects retail sales tax, remits tax to the state, then that income is B&O taxable.
- The tax rate for all classifications of business is .2%, (.002) and there are two thresholds for exemptions:
o Exemption 1: The first $20,000 of taxable gross revenue earned annually (or $5,000 per
quarter) that is not subject to retail sales tax is exempt from the Poulsbo B&O tax via
the Wholesale, Manufacturing and Services & Other classifications.
o Exemption 2: The first $125,000 of taxable gross revenue earned annually (or $31,250
per quarter) that is subject to retail sales tax is exempt from the Poulsbo B&O tax via
the Retail and Retail Services classification. If your business does not remit sales tax
back to the state, you cannot claim Exemption 2.
-
The B&O/Multipurpose tax form is for a variety of businesses – do not file utility taxes unless you work for a utility business.
PENALTIES
If taxes are not submitted on time (postmarked, received via FileLocal, a city dropbox or email by October 31), penalties will be assessed. Penalties are as follows:
- $5.00 minimum penalty.
- 9% penalty on the tax liability the first overdue month.
- 19% penalty on the tax liability the second overdue month.
- 29% penalty on the tax liability the third overdue month.
MAKING A PAYMENT
Per Revised Code of Washington 82.32.080 and Poulsbo Municipal Code 3.34.130, payment must accompany the tax return to be deemed received.
FileLocal: The preferred method for filing and paying Poulsbo B&O tax. https://www.filelocal-wa.gov/
Drop Box: Drop off completed form and payment either in the drive-up drop box located on 3rd Avenue or the walk-up drop box located at the top of the stairs just outside of the main entrance to City Hall located off Moe Street. These boxes are checked daily for payments.
In Person: Poulsbo City Hall, 3rd Floor, with Cashier during City Hall Hours: Monday – Friday (8:00am – 4:30pm), excluding holidays. Please note the front counter is closed each weekday from 12:15pm – 1:15pm for lunch.
Mail: Completed form and payment may be mailed to: City of Poulsbo – Cashier, 200 NE Moe St, Poulsbo, WA 98370. Ensure it is postmarked no later than the due date to avoid penalties.
Online: www.cityofpoulsbo.com, scroll down and click Pay A City Bill, scroll down and click Other City Services Payment and when the payment portal opens, choose B and O Tax under the Payment Type, enter the UBI number under Account Number or Reference and fill in the balance of information to complete the payment. Email your completed B&O tax form to: tax@cityofpoulsbo.com
Questions? Send an email to: tax@cityofpoulsbo.com
For more information, please view our B&O Tax webpage at: https://cityofpoulsbo.com/b-and-o-tax/
| | The City of Poulsbo is currently hiring. Click here to learn more details about open positions! | | Parks and Recreation Department Update | | |
🍂Fall into Fun with Poulsbo Parks & Recreation!
As the cool weather approaches, Poulsbo Parks & Recreation is excited to share our Fall Activity Guide, featuring 26 new programs alongside many returning favorites. From art and fitness to family fun and senior activities, this season offers something for everyone in our community.
This fall, we are especially proud to introduce the Veterans Yoga Project, offering free, trauma-informed yoga to veterans, Active-Duty Military Personnel, and First Responders. Beginning on September 11, weekly classes will focus on building strength and resilience through breath, movement, and relaxation.
Parents will also enjoy the launch of Fun Fridays, a new monthly program where kids can enjoy art, pizza, and a movie—while parents take a well-deserved night out.
For fitness enthusiasts, our growing lineup now includes Yogalates, a fun and challenging blend of yoga and Pilates. We also offer a wide range of fitness programs for both mind and body, including Tai Chi, Express Strength, Barre, Body Reformer Pilates, TNT, Meditation, and several styles of Yoga.
For seniors, our popular Coffee Club Class gatherings return on Wednesdays, with a wide variety of topics ranging from pickleball and nutrition workshops to painting, local history, and visits with community leaders. These classes are always free and a wonderful way to connect. Our free Lifelong Fitness program also continues on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. We're also excited to announce the new Poulsbo Senior Connections newsletter, now published quarterly to help seniors stay informed about opportunities in our community.
Families will find plenty to enjoy with new creative classes such as fused glass ornaments, DIY pinecone wreaths, and beginner candle making, along with the return of family Paint Nights. For youth, we’re bringing back popular sports programs like Preschool Sports and Youth Soccer, while also adding new options like Flag Football and Tumbling for after-school programs at Wolfle and Suquamish Elementary.
Adults can explore new opportunities too, including acrylic painting, anime and portrait drawing, dinnerware design, and fall gardening workshops, as well as learning how to earn a Backyard Habitat Certification.
In addition to programs, our community projects are moving forward in exciting ways. The Raab Park Skatepark will celebrate its grand reopening later this fall with newly designed features—thanks to the dedication of the Poulsbo Raab Skatepark Rebuild Coalition. At Muriel Iverson Williams Park, the south end picnic area is set for renovation with new picnic tables, improved visibility, and a healthier space for the trees.
September also brings back the Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz, inviting the community to use the iNaturalist app to document local wildlife. This initiative connects directly to the launch of the new Poulsbo Pollinator Project (P3), which will establish pollinator corridors throughout the city with community planting events.
From enriching programs to major community projects, this fall is shaping up to be full of opportunities to connect, learn, and grow. We are grateful for our many partners, volunteers, and participants who help make Poulsbo such a vibrant place to live. We look forward to seeing you in our classes, at our events, and out in the parks this season!
For more information or to register, visit CityofPoulsbo.com/Register or call 360-779-9898.
| | | | |
