Fact or Fiction

This Fact or Fiction page is designed to provide clear and accurate information in response to some of the most widespread stories without confirmation.

Bainbridge Island residents are engaged and curious.   We want to provide accurate information on the topics Islanders are talking about.  You can also sign up to get the weekly City Manager’s Report in your email inbox with the City’s most current news.

Hear a rumor? Email us at communications@bainbriddgewa.gov. We appreciate every email, but we will not be able to respond to every email. 

  1. FACt: The city does not sell subscription lists (like emails) to Third parties.

Question: Does the City sell subscription or email lists to third parties?

Fact:  The City does not sell subscription lists to third parties, but individuals can request information such as City distribution lists through the Washington Public Records Act (RCW 42.56) as long as they certify that they will not use the list for commercial purposes. The City is required to provide records under the Public Records Act with few exceptions. 

RCW 42.56.070(8) says that agencies shall not "give, sell or provide access to lists of individuals requested for commercial purposes."  If a requester was asking for a list because they want to contact the individuals to sell them something, this would prohibit the City from giving out the email contact list.  

  1. Fact: The City did not reduce some island speed limits to generate revenue from monetary citations.
  1. Fact: The City of Bainbridge Island did not issue a permit for the fireworks display of September 17, 2022, and does not issue display fireworks permits of any kind.
  1. FACT: The City of Bainbridge Island has an established process to disseminate factual information through the City’s website first and foremost. The City of Bainbridge Island posts on its own social media accounts about City (and City partner) projects and events.
  1. FACT: The $0.25 disposable cup fee to customers on Bainbridge Island, implemented from the 2023 Waste Reduction Regulations, is retained by the retailer. The City of Bainbridge Island does not receive the fee.
  1. FACT: There are no health restrictions on providing a clean, sturdy, and appropriately insulated reusable cup to a food retail establishment. 
  1. Fact: City staff have been working with the Chamber of Commerce, the Bainbridge Island Downtown Association, and Bainbridge Island Zero Waste to educate businesses and residents about the new requirements. The outreach efforts have been substantial.
  1. Fact: PFAS substances and chemicals, found in many man-made products including plastics, are harmful to people and the environment according to the EPA. Bainbridge Island requires that all home compostable containers be free of intentionally added PFAS to help protect public and environmental health.
  1. FACT: Cardboard pizza boxes meet the City’s home compostable criteria if they are certified PFAS free and meet other certifications.