Working together during the last year and a half, the City Council and City Manager Brenda Bauer have successfully accomplished the City’s 2010 and 2011 work plans and goals. Bauer’s tenure as City Manager began in June 2010, with the city in financial crisis and with labor agreements for both unions expiring. “Today,” Councilmember Bob Scales states, “the city is in the best financial shape it has been in for years. Recurring costs are less than recurring revenues, the workforce is organized to deliver core services at a time of limited resources and Moody’s restored the City’s credit worthiness rating.” read more »

The Department of Revenue has published online the 2012 edition of its compilation of tax exemptions, credits and preferential tax rates.

The report, which the Department is required by law to release every four years, is available at http://dor.wa.gov/Content/AboutUs/StatisticsAndReports/2012/Tax_Exemptio….

The report presents a detailed listing of tax exemptions for Washington State and local taxes. It lists 640 different exemptions but focuses on 452 tax exemptions that would likely increase state revenues if eliminated. read more »

February marked the start of a new deep-green business plan competition for budding MBA students. The first annual Madrona League Business Plan Competition is designed to foster bold innovation in sustainable businesses that emphasizes all bottom lines: profit, people, planet, and purpose. The competition is presented jointly by Bainbridge Graduate Institute and Presidio Graduate School, founding members of the Madrona League.

Competitors must apply by March 1 to become one of 16 teams invited to compete for $10,000 in prize money and sustainability bragging rights. read more »

NKBA-West Sound Chapter and Kitsap Kitchen & Bath Co. presents Denise Frakes of Blue Sky Services, Inc. as she talks about how to “be your clients best advocate and protect their investments” on Feb. 15 from 6 - 8:30 p.m. at 1016 NE Forest Rock Lane, Suite 110 in Poulsbo.

Learn how design, material specification and education can positively influence a client’s health, while simultaneously minimizing maintenance frustrations. Considering what happens to a home during and after construction will help, you assist clients in making healthier choices for long-term enjoyment and project satisfaction. A healthy and happy client can result in increased referrals and repeat business. read more »

Recently the state Supreme Court decided in McCleary v. State of Washington that lawmakers have failed to provide enough money to K-12 education to fulfill constitutional requirements. The court also held the state’s constitutional duty will be satisfied only if the Legislature spends money on an education law passed by the Legislature in 2009, ESHB 2261.

The Supreme Court has overstepped its authority by trying to micromanage schools. The court interprets the meaning of the constitution and the laws, and applies these interpretations to the facts of particular cases. The Legislature and the governor, not the Supreme Court, set education policy and decide how schools will be funded. read more »

At a recent press conference at the state capitol, Washington Policy Center (WPC) and small business owners presented lawmakers with practical ways they can improve Washington’s small business climate and spur economic recovery in the state. The recommendations are from WPC’s new report 7 Steps on the Road to Economic Recovery.

The National Federation of Independent Business and the Association of Washington Business joined WPC to host the press conference. Senate Minority Leader Mike Hewitt, Sen. Janéa Holmquist Newbry, and Rep. Norma Smith spoke at the event, along with a group of concerned small business owners. read more »

Members of a citizen advisory group will discuss new toll rates for the Tacoma Narrows Bridge at a second meeting Feb. 8 at the Gig Harbor Civic Center. An informational open house hosted by the Washington State Department of Transportation will precede the meeting.

The Tacoma Narrows Bridge Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) will consider additional rate scenarios for further analysis before recommending a new toll rate to the Washington State Transportation Commission in March. read more »

Kitsap Mall announces that it is hosting a senior health fair on Feb. 10 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bring questions regarding health, well-being and senior community resources. Medical and senior community professionals will be on hand to provide useful information related to health and wellness, as well as blood pressure checks, bone density scans, brain health techniques and more. Flu shots will also be provided by Walgreens (Call Walgreens to verify vouchers and/or pricing). read more »

The numbers are in. The Washington State Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division announced its annual list of the top 20 classes of companies about which consumers complain.

The winners — or more accurately, the losers — are telecommunications companies, which generated 1,581 complaints in 2011. Collection agencies, which ranked number one in complaints in 2010, fell to number two. Broadband companies generated the third most complaints. All three classes of companies were in the top three in 2011 as well. read more »