Kitsap Review

Nearly two dozen programs aimed at providing mental health, chemical dependency, and therapeutic court services in Kitsap County will be receiving money generated from the 0.001% sales and use tax. 

The Kitsap County Board of Commissioners approved allocating $5.5 million of the generated tax revenue to those programs last week. In total, 23 were recommended to receiving the funding by the county's Mental Health, Chemical Dependency and Therapeutic Court Citizens Advisory Committee, an 11-member group appointed by the commissioners.

"These awards help fill funding gaps and go directly to support programs and services that serve those suffering from mental illness or drug and alcohol dependency," Commissioners Board Chairwoman Charlotte Garrido said in a release posted on the county's website. 

 The citizens advisory committee had looked at 26 submissions for a total of $7.2 million, but ultimately suggested funding 23.

"The committee considered each proposal in relation to the County's continuum of care, strategic plan for service, and available funds," advisory committee chair Jeannie Screws said in the release, "The process was extremely difficult due to the needs of the community being even greater this year and funding lower than anticipated."