Wednesday, May 18, 2005

Bellevue advocates levy increase

Question goes to voters Tuesday


By MEGAN THOMAS
Express Staff Writer

Bellevue city officials and city staff gathered Monday, May 16, to explain why the city needs to boost revenue to fund city services.

Residents crowded into Bellevue City Hall's small meeting room to get information on the upcoming special election Tuesday, May 24, to consider a proposed increase in the city's property tax rate to augment funding for municipal services.

The overcrowding of City Hall illustrated the basis for the election—improving city services and infrastructure.

"The fact is every single city department and every single city service is under funded," said Bellevue Planning and Zoning Commissioner Beth Callister. "There is no two ways around it. Every single, solitary thing the city does currently is on a shoestring budget."

Voters will be asked on Tuesday to increase the city's fiscal budget by $300,000 to help fund municipal services—such as the police, fire and street departments—by increasing the city's property tax rate. Last year, the measure failed to pass by 4 percent. In order for the measure to pass, the city needs 60 percent voter approval.

Under the current levy rate, taxpayers pay $99.35 yearly per $100,000 worth of property value. For the owner of a $100,000 property, the proposed levy would increase the yearly tax bill from $99.35 to $179.50. Bellevue currently has the lowest tax levy rate in the Wood River Valley.

"More than anything (the levy) is to increase our budget," Councilman Tammy Eaton explained.

Bellevue currently operates with an approximately $238,000 general fund budget. The city stretches the minimal budget to support the police, fire, administrative, street, parks, planning and building departments.

"There isn't a city around here that can stretch a dollar further than the city of Bellevue," Eaton said.

The election reflects the council's ongoing struggle to provide financial support of city services. This year, the cash-strapped City Council was forced to balance the budget by cutting street and administrative funds and drawing from savings to hire a full-time fire chief. The lack of funding also prompted the city to consider closing the public library and consolidating city services.

"I think we need to let our constituents know that if we are going to keep emergency services—fire and police—in Bellevue, than we have to fund it. And, I am all for funding it," Councilman Jon Wilkes said.

The election comes in response to citizen consensus expressed at a Community Forum in March. Residents signaled support after concerns of consolidating and contracting city services arose.

"What the people of Bellevue have to realize is that for every $100,000 worth of value, they are paying $9.86 to the Bellevue Fire Department," Bellevue Fire Chief Dennis Cannon said.

Cannon explained the Bellevue Fire Department needs additional funding to enable the department to provide an adequate level of service.

"We want to provide the best quality of service, but we can't do that with the equipment we have. We need to upgrade."

On Election Day, polls will be open from noon to 8 p.m. at Bellevue City Hall. Absentee ballots are currently available at City Hall. Voters can register at the polls.




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