The wheels are turning to improve funding for Bellevue city services. In response to citizen consensus, the Bellevue City Council gathered for a special meeting to move ahead with plans to bolster funds for city services. The council decided to draft a resolution asking voters for $300,000 through an increase in city property taxes. At the next meeting, the council will vote to decide whether or not to present the question to voters at a special May 24 election.
"I feel the waters have been muddied by (discussion of) consolidated services. All of our city needs assistance, not just emergency services," Cdouncilwoman Tammy Eaton said.
The council decided to request $300,000 to fund city services as a one-time addition to the city's general fund budget. The increased property taxes are estimated to cost residents $225 per $100,000 of assessable property value. Council members agreed to pursue a dollar amount rather than a levy rate percentage in order to clarify the issue for voters.
During the meeting, Wednesday, March 16, the Marshal's Office, fire department and library presented the council with detailed list of needed funding for deteriorating equipment and additional personnel. The needs include funding to maintain a full time fire department employee, hiring a full time city administrator and hiring additional personnel to expand the library's hours of operation.
"(The City) needs at least a half a million to bring all departments to operational minimums," Bellevue Marshal Randy Tremble told the council.
The council calculated $337,200 in additional funds necessary to support city services. After further consideration the council deemed $300,000 a more appropriate amount, far less than the $718,000 maximum permissible under state law.
The matter will return for a final vote from the council at the next city council meeting.
