Bellevue is closing in on its April goal of completing annexation of Eastgate, and its 5,500 residents, into the city.

Officials gathered signatures representing 53 percent of the assessed valuation in December, and a public hearing will be held March 5 on the annexation.

Since the city began its push to incorporate Eastgate, April 1 has always been the goal. Nicholas Matz, who has headed up the effort for the city, said the March 5 meeting should give adequate time to set everything up for the April deadline.

“April looks like a very good place both for our ability to capture revenue and start providing services for these areas,” Matz said.”

Following the annexation, Bellevue will provide police, fire and other services to the new neighborhoods. Previously, the county provided these services.

Bellevue will lose approximately $1.2 million per year by providing services to these areas. But the City Council on Tuesday applied for a sales tax exemption, where the state kicks back some of its collected income to the city to deal with added expenses.

The March 5 public hearing will cover the Tamara Hills neighborhood as well. Annexation agreements with Hilltop and Horizon View are expected to be discussed this summer.