Tacoma Community College and Olympic College in Bremerton are at odds about OC expanding its healthcare programs.

The Port Orchard City Council discussed that topic March 18, along with school impact fees.

OC has proposed new Radiologic Technology and Diagnostic Medical Sonography programs to address a growing shortage of healthcare professionals in Kitsap County. The programs have faced opposition from Tacoma Community College, which argues that current programs already meet regional needs and that there are insufficient clinical training sites for additional students.

OC officials, including dean of Nursing and Allied Health Alecia Nye, presented their case to the council, highlighting local demand for healthcare professionals and the college’s collaboration with clinical partners. Nye emphasized that Kitsap hospitals and clinics support the expansion and have committed to providing the training slots.

The State Board for Community and Technical Colleges is reviewing the dispute and is expected to make a final decision by April 7. Nye encouraged community members to voice support by emailing the SBCTC.

The council also reviewed a proposal to update school impact fees in response to new state laws. Senate Bill 5258 requires the fees be based on square footage, number of bedrooms, or traffic impact instead of the current flat-rate system.

The South Kitsap School District, which has an agreement with the city to manage impact fees, has proposed switching to a per-square-foot model. The new fee structure, developed by the consulting firm FCS Group, would charge 56 cents per square foot, with a minimum fee of $546.62 and a maximum of $2,009.27.

The updated fee structure would replace the current rates, which have remained unchanged since 2008—$1,370 for single-family homes and $861.66 for multi-family units. The changes must be implemented by July 1 to comply with state law.

The city will hold a public hearing April 8 to gather community input before adopting the new fee structure.