The Bellevue Philharmonic Orchestra wants an extra $35,000 from the city to help stay afloat.

The money, if granted, would be in addition to the $13,000 in annual funding granted to the BPO by the Bellevue City Council on April 27.

The request was brought before the council by the city’s Arts Commission during a special meeting Monday, May 4.

According to city of Bellevue Art Specialist Mary Pat Byrne, the commission told council that the BPO is worthy of support, subject to a more rigorous analysis by staff.

The commission recommended that the $35,000 come from the city’s public art program in the Capital Investment Program (CIP). Those funds are intended to add enhancements to the city’s infrastructure, including things like roads, water utilities, and parks. As the economy improves, the commission hopes the council will then finish the art projects.

The BPO has a recovery plan in place which includes five concerts over the next season and, if funding allows, a return to their award-winning schools program “Sound Adventures,” all of which provide a public benefit through city funds.

The council expressed support of the BPO and directed city staff to work with the BPO to assess its sustainability, set conditions for the funding and to report back to council Monday, May 11.

The BPO, the only professional orchestra in Bellevue, has been in existence for more than 40 years.

Lindsay Larin can be reached at 425.453.4602.