Around the Island: City Utility Rates to Rise; Fast Ferry to Bainbridge?; WSF Starts Electricfication Work at Ferry Terminal; the Importance of Water
City Council Adopts New Rates for Sewer, Water and Storm Water
The Bainbridge Island City Council recently adopted new utility rates for Water, Sewer, and Storm and Surface Water Management (SSWM), following extensive review of the 2024–25 Utility Rate Study.
The study, developed with input from the Utility Advisory Committee, evaluated current and future infrastructure needs. As a result, average residential customers will see Water and Sewer rates increase by about $10–$15 more per month each year starting in 2026. SSWM rates will see inflation-based adjustments only. The new rates will go into effect on January 1, 2026.
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Chris Miller – Windermere Real Estate Bainbridge
In addition, the study recommended expanding the City’s low-income utility rate program. Using the City’s equity toolkit and customer survey feedback, staff and the Utility Advisory Committee proposed broadening eligibility and offering a progressive discount starting at 60%, better supporting income-qualified residents beyond just seniors and people with disabilities.
More information on the expanded low-income program will be available before the end of the year.
Kitsap Transit Exploring Options for new POF routes, Bremerton to Bainbridge
Kitsap Transit currently operates five passenger-only ferry (POF) routes, two within Kitsap County and three to downtown Seattle.
Now, Kitsap Transit is studying options for expanding local POF service within the county. This effort will result in a long-range strategy and business plan for new intracounty ferry routes.
Three potential routes are under review:
- Bremerton to Silverdale
- Bremerton to Manchester
- Bremerton to Bainbridge Island
Participants can identify other routes (like Poulsbo to Bainbridge Island) in the survey. Up to two more routes will be identified through public feedback. Help shape future ferry service by sharing your input and ideas with Kitsap Transit. Survey closes at noon on June 25.
As part of its Electrication Program, WSF to Conduct Geotechnical Work at Bainbridge Terminal
Washington State Ferries (WSF) will conduct in-water geotechnical work near the Bainbridge terminal from June 16–27, as part of its terminal electrification program. Work will occur during the day, with equipment staged overnight (not on weekends). Slip 2 will be closed during this time, but no major public impacts are expected.
This follows earlier land-based work and supports WSF’s long-term plan to reduce environmental impacts through hybrid-electric vessels and terminal upgrades. Environmental and cultural monitors will be on site. Learn more:
https://wsdot.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2021-11/WSF-SystemElectrificationPlan-December2020.pdf
For The Love of Water: Explore the Importance of Water on the Island
The Bainbridge Island North Kitsap Interfaith Climate Circle invites you to join us on June 17th to explore the significance of water in restoring Earth’s life-supporting climate.
Water is key for releasing the Earth’s enormous regenerative power, contributing to a thriving climate. We will examine our relationship with water, while inspiring reverence, and explore what we can do right here at home to protect our water sources, both fresh and salty.
A short, animated film: How Water Makes Climate will catalyze discussion.
For more info, contact Kathryn Lafond at kelafond@gmail.com
Event Details
Tuesday June 17th
6:30 – 8:30
St. Barnabas Episcopal Church
1187 Wyatt Way NW, Bainbridge Island
Source Materials and photos courtesy of the City of Bainbridge Island, and North Kitsap Interfaith.
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