Bellevue City Council Considers Preliminary 2021-22 Budget Plan

BELLEVUE, WA — The Bellevue City Council will consider the city manager's proposed $1.7 billion 2021-22 operating budget in the weeks ahead, as it grapples with filling a $16 million budget deficit.

The proposal includes a $1.1 billion operating budget, $74 million in "special purpose expenditures," and $523 million for long-term capital investments.

"This budget creates a 'bridge' to keep Bellevue on solid financial footing," City Manager Brad Miyake wrote. "Critical discussions and potentially difficult decisions will be necessary early next year and beyond as we learn more about and deal with the aftershocks of the pandemic and structural deficit."

The city's general fund — about $474 million of the budget — funds the city's fire and police departments, transportation programs, parks services and other infrastructure. Like many cities, that fund has been heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing economic slowdown, officials said. The preliminary budget includes strategies to reduce the $16 million budget gap, including cutting some spending, adjusting property taxes, using cash reserves and adjusting the timeline to open Fire Station 10.

The City Council will continue budget hearings into December, and a final public hearing is scheduled Nov. 23. Residents can learn more about the proposal on the city's website or view Monday's full presentation below.