Bellevue reached a new level of the budget process, as the City Council got its first look at program and project proposals Monday night.

The series of proposals, both in the general fund and for capital projects, show a consistent theme: Bellevue can maintain nearly all of its services and complete most of its projects, but the economy isn’t ready for the city to take on new plans.

As part of its Budget One process in 2010, the city restructured its budget into “outcomes” rather than departments. Among those outcomes – responsive government, safe community, improved mobility, healthy and sustainable environment, quality neighborhoods, vibrant caring communities and economic development – city officials presented a total of 200 proposals that could be funded, only two of which were not in the last budget. City budget projections led to the possibility that 12 proposals would not be funded, nine of which were new.

“I’m not seeing a very rosy picture long-term, but I would say our effort to recalibrate the budget last year was the right thing to do, It was timely and it has been effective,” City Manager Steve Sarkozy said.

Sarkozy will release his budget some time in October, according to the city. At that point, the city will begin holding more open houses and public meetings to get feedback on specific proposals and priorities.

Some of the city’s largest capital projects are likely to be among the top discussions items at those meetings. Planning Director Dan Stroh told the council its largest projects – such as East Link obligations, plans to extend Northeast Fourth Street from 116th Avenue to 120th, and widening of 120th – will be affordable.

Furthermore, the city will likely be able to accomplish these projects without raising taxes, a plan that appeared highly possible earlier in the year. The city is battling a $31 shortfall in its seven-year capital project budget, but a $25 million council contingency, coupled with borrowing $6 million from future capital revenue, should make up for the problem.

What is getting left behind, Stroh said, are some of the smaller projects. Installing sidewalks around the city, and long-term needs such as the completion of enhancements to West Lake Sammamish Parkway are challenging to the city.

“These needs go far beyond what can be addressed with current resources,” according to budget documents prepared by staff.

The council is required to complete a budget by December. A final public hearing will be held Nov. 19.