City of Bainbridge Island Launches Budget Survey

The City of Bainbridge Island is inviting islanders to share their input on the upcoming 2027-2028 biennial budget. Community members can participate in the Community Investment Priorities Survey, which is open from June 19 through July 5, 2026. This survey provides an opportunity for people to offer their perspectives on City services, investments, and priorities for the next two years.

Feedback gathered from the survey will help inform the Bainbridge Island City Council and City staff as they develop the 2027-2028 budget.

Interim City Manager Ellen Schroer noted the City's financial health. "Bainbridge Island remains in a stable financial position thanks to careful planning and responsible financial stewardship," Schroer said. "While we are not facing budget cuts, our financial resources are still limited. This survey will help us better understand community priorities and where residents believe City spending can have the greatest impact."

The City budget includes several separate funds, each with specific uses. For example, affordable housing revenue is legally restricted for affordable housing programs and projects. Transportation impact fees collected from new development can only be spent on eligible transportation improvements. Similarly, water, sewer, and stormwater systems are primarily funded by customer rates for their operation, maintenance, and improvement, and these funds cannot be used for other City services.

The General Fund is the City's most flexible funding source. It supports many daily services, facilities, and programs, and helps fund services that do not generate enough revenue to cover their full costs. The survey asks participants to consider the City's priorities for the next two years and identify any gaps in current services or programs. The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete.

Generated with AI from public sources.

(via bainbridgewa.gov)