On Tuesday, the Bellevue City Council approved changes to the 2025-2026 Budget and the 2025-2030 Capital Improvement Program Plan. The council voted unanimously for these mid-biennium adjustments. The updates include changes to city employee pay, wireless communication fees for Development Services and Transportation, and sewer rates. The council also adopted recommendations for using federal Community Development Block Grant funds. It passed a resolution to bank unused property tax levy capacity for future needs. The 2026 property tax levy, with a planned 1% adjustment, was approved in a 4-2 vote. Councilmembers Jared Nieuwenhuis and Conrad Lee voted against it.
The council allocated $600,000 from its contingency fund to organizations that assist immigrants and refugees in Bellevue. The city manager approved $235,000 for immediate food assistance.
The council advanced plans for a new neighborhood park in Eastgate, to be called Eastgate Commons. The half-acre park at 14700 SE 39th St. will have open lawns, gathering spaces, play structures, and picnic areas. The park’s name was chosen after community outreach and review. Construction is expected to begin in 2028, after design and permitting phases…