Following a public hearing, the City Council passed a unanimous resolution Monday in support of a Nov. 4 parks levy. With the city's existing park levy expiring this year, the City Council voted in July to place a parks levy before voters. 

Prior to last night's vote on the resolution, the Council solicited comments from citizens both in favor of and opposed to the levy. Nine residents spoke in support of the levy. No one spoke against the measure. 

"It is part of our signature as a city, a great system of parks that we have," said Mayor Grant Degginger. "This will provide additional fields for developed recreation. It will also preserve some of the natural areas we hold dear."  

If approved by the voters, the tax rate for the levy would be 12 cents per $1,000 of assessed value, or $71 per year for a typical home in Bellevue. The new measure would have a tax rate less than the average tax rate associated with the expiring 1988 levy, which had an average tax rate of 17 cents per $1,000 of assessed value.

Levy funds will be used to acquire properties to preserve natural areas throughout the city and pursue projects that protect water quality in Bellevue's lakes and streams.  Key projects funded by the levy include:

• Trail and natural area improvements in Coal Creek Park and Lewis Creek Park;
• Completion of the circle around the waterfall and reflecting pond at Bellevue Downtown Park; 
• Upgrades to synthetic turf for Wilburton and Newport Hills soccer fields;
• Expansion of Crossroads Community Center;
• Improvements to the Bellevue Botanical Garden;
• Addition of neighborhood parks in Bridle Trails and along West Lake Sammamish Parkway;
• Redevelopment of Surrey Downs Park; and
• Development of a new 27-acre community park in the Eastgate area along 156th Avenue Southeast.

The measure also includes funding to ensure that new parks are maintained and operated consistent with Bellevue standards. 

The city has prepared a fact sheet to give residents details about the levy. For more information, call 425-452-2805. 

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