Citizens packed Bellevue City Hall to the brim Monday night for the third and final public hearing for a budget that could result in far-reaching consequences for the city.

More than 50 people testified to the council until nearly midnight, angling for funding for their specific organizations, or lobbying for a type of service such as the arts or human services.

Though many speakers came to push the contributions of their organizations, the vibe differed from an emotional King County budget hearing earlier this fall. Many of the groups weren’t facing the same adversity, but were trying to persuade the council to stick to the recommendations made by staff. Many of the citizens complimented the city on its work thus far, rather than being forced to plead for their funding at the county meeting.

Members of the local art community spoke out for everything from the Bellevue Youth Symphony, Bellevue Youth Theater and several organizations. They argued that the budget presents tough times, but continued investment in the arts will bring more people over the bridges into Bellevue, and their sales tax dollars will follow. But most of all, having a strong arts community fits the identity that Bellevue strives for, they said.

“Great cities, like great societies, are measured by their artistic creativity,” said Al Doe, speaking for Bellevue Philharmonic Orchestra.

The budget is focused on maintaining human services, public safety and many of Bellevue’s other signature programs at current levels, while making changes within City Hall to help bridge the gap in the operating the budget. Human services funds are recommended to remain at current levels. Administrative support (City Attorney’s office, Information Technology, Human Resources) may end up with an 11 percent cut, while direct services will likely take a 4 percent cut and public safety may see a 3 percent reduction.

City Manager Steve Sarkozy said this budget will lead to the reduction of 59 positions and require sacrifices from all city staff.

For the Capital Improvement Program, which is down $100 million in revenue over the six-year time span, prioritizing projects is the primary issue.

Several of the speakers came forward to support specific projects, and argue against others. The most commonly supported project was the extension of 140th Avenue Southeast and improvements to 145th Place Southeast. Neighbors asked that the project continue in order to make the streets safer on the way to schools such as Bellevue Christian and Bellevue College.

But the bulk of the more than 50 speakers were there to talk about human services. Some of the groups represented included Youth Link, King County Crisis Clinic, Catholic Community Services, Hopelink, YWCA and many others. They applauded the council and staff for working to keep human services out of the budget cutting.

“The funds you provide are critical for our community members to have access to support services,” said Mike Nesteroff from Hopelink. “Your investment is critical for those who are most vulnerable in our community.

Monday’s hearing was the final public demonstration of the budget. The council has devoted several meetings toward tweaking the City Manager’s proposal, and it isn’t finished yet. The council is expected to discuss the budget one more time Monday before the proposed discussion and possible adoption on Dec. 6.

Nat Levy can be reached at 425-453-4290.