Published July 21 2022
Plus, council moves parks ballot measure forward and discusses water rates
The city’s police chief and other members of the department briefed the City Council Monday about early results from an anti-crime initiative underway in Bellevue in response to rising rates of certain crimes throughout the region.
Data collected by the department from 2021-2022 showed shoplifting, vehicle theft, car prowls and robberies (many connected to shoplifting) have increased year-over-year. In response, Bellevue police are increasing patrols in key areas, sharing of information on data, trends and tactics with officers throughout the department, and offering the public more information through a recently launched police transparency website.
In addition, the department collaborates with other law enforcement agencies in the area on widespread problems such as catalytic converter thefts and retail theft. In Bellevue’s North sector, where the initiative has been in effect since June, all categories of crime are down.
The full presentation is available through a video replay of the council meeting.
Council moves parks ballot measure forward
In other business, the council voted unanimously to continue pursuing placement of a ballot measure for long-term parks funding on the ballot in November. They will take final action on the matter at next week’s meeting.
The council confirmed a draft ordinance and ballot language to add the park levy measure on the Nov. 8 general election ballot. The measure, responsive to council priorities and needs identified by the community, would help fund the city’s future parks investments to address community priorities and park system gaps.
Before affirming the draft ordinance, councilmembers requested cricket and pickleball be listed as examples in the emerging sports category. The proposed funding identifies five other categories of priority or need as defined by a public outreach process to develop the city’s Parks and Open Space System Plan, which was approved earlier this month and serves as a roadmap for future parks and open space funding in the city.
Council directed staff to come back next Monday, July 28 with the final ordinance and ballot language. More information is available in the meeting materials and the full discussion can be seen on video replay of the meeting.
Council discusses water rates
Later, councilmembers received an update on projected revenue required to deliver water to residents through the Cascade Water Alliance, a group of seven member cities and water districts who cooperatively share costs to deliver water to their respective customers. The alliance will announce their 2023-2024 budget and associated member rates in September.
As the largest member of the alliance, Bellevue purchases over half of Cascade’s water supply. Bellevue’s share of water use is increasing, meaning Bellevue could experience a higher rate increase for the next budget cycle than other members.
Cascade Water Alliance is taking action to minimize cost increases including restructuring their existing bonds to take advantage of lower interest rates and upgrading to renewable energy sources such as solar panels at some facilities.
The expected impact to Bellevue water ratepayers is an increase of 1.7% in 2023 and 1.1% in 2024. This will result in monthly increases of $1.27 for 2023 and another $0.87 for 2024 for the average single-family residential customer.
These increases are in addition to Bellevue Water Utility rate increases needed to operate, maintain and improve Bellevue’s water infrastructure. The council will consider increases to the city’s water utility rates as part of Bellevue’s 2023-2024 budget process later this year. More information is in the meeting materials.