Promising greater financial oversight of a city plagued with budget problems, accountant Tim Jacobsen on Monday entered the race for
the South Ward City Council position currently held by Chris Snow.

Jacobsen joins community activist and attorney Kirsten Hytopoulos, who announced her candidacy early Monday. Snow said on Monday evening that he has not yet decided whether he’ll seek reelection.

“I am running because I feel that I have experience and talents that can benefit Bainbridge Island,” said Jacobsen, who moved to Bainbridge from Montana in 1997. “The island is facing many challenges which have only been compounded by the economy. My financial background will be an obvious asset.”

The Bill Point Court resident has been a self-employed accountant since 2005. He is a former managing partner of a Seattle-based accounting firm.

Jacobsen is the chair of the city Salary Commission, which sets pay rates for elected officials. He plans to resign from the commission now that he’s a council candidate.

He also serves as the Bainbridge Island Boys and Girls Club advisory board president.