Published November 29 2017
On Monday evening, the City Council approved the mid-biennium budget. The budget process, mandated by state law, provides an opportunity for modifications and technical corrections to the amended 2017-18 Operating Budget and 2017-23 Capital Investment Program plan. The budget package, which included four components, received near unanimous support. The items up for consideration were:
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2018 Development Services fee ordinance – The fee update for permit review and inspection services was informed by a comprehensive study aimed at reviewing the city’s financial practices and maintaining customer service levels. The increases, ranging from 3.6 to 7.2 percent, will go into effect on Jan. 1.
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2018 Property Tax Levy ordinance – Raises property taxes by the statutorily available 1-percent in 2018. The increase will cost a Bellevue homeowner about $6 for the year for a home with a median assessed property value of $791,000 and approximately $7.60 for a homeowner with a home assessed at $1 million. Councilmember Conrad Lee voted “no.”
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2018 Property Tax Banked Capacity resolution – In accordance with state law, the city is allowed to preserve the maximum amount of levy capacity. Bellevue has not raised taxes to the full amount allowed and the resolution allows the city to bank it for future use, if substantial need exists.
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Modified 2017-18 Biennial Budget and 2017-23 Capital Investment Program (CIP) Plan ordinance – Includes a series of updates and technical corrections. As per council direction, the ordinance also creates a new Arts and Culture fund, from existing money and not from new revenue, which will be governed by the council’s previously adopted investment guidelines.
Monday’s vote marks the end of a process which began on Oct. 23. The council discussed the mid-biennium budget update at three study sessions and a public hearing was held on Nov. 20.
More information on the final budget can be found in the council agenda materials.
Bellevue commends Councilmember Ernie Simas
Earlier, the council recognized Councilmember Ernie Simas for his years of public service with a formal commendation. Prior to joining the council, he served in a variety of civic roles including time on the Transportation and Civil Service commissions and the Downtown Livability Initiative Citizen Advisory Committee.
Simas was appointed to the council in March to fill the vacated Position 5 seat, selected from a applicant pool of 43 city residents. His term ended upon the certification of the November election.
After the commendation was read, individual councilmembers took a moment to voice their appreciation for Simas. Comments touched on his thoughtful comments and ability to quickly understand issues.
Proposed Comprehensive Plan Amendments
Councilmembers also reviewed four proposed amendments to the city’s Comprehensive Plan. The amendments include recommendations from the Planning Commission on the Eastgate Office Park, the Old Seattle Times Building, Complete Streets and the Downtown Transportation Plan amendments to the Downtown Subarea Plan.
The proposals are part of the city’s annual Comprehensive Plan Amendments (CPA) work program. Under the Growth Management Act, plans can only be amended once a year so that the cumulative effect of any changes can be considered. Bellevue’s program includes private and city-initiated proposals. The Comprehensive Plan is the city’s foundational policy document, which helps guide growth and development.
Some councilmembers expressed a desire for additional study of the Downtown Transportation Plan amendment. While the council agreed to move the proposal forward, they left open the potential for changes before adoption. All four amendments are scheduled for action at the Dec. 11 regular session.
More details are available in the council agenda materials.