It was a winding road filled with motions, debate and points of clarification, but Bellevue councilmembers exited City Hall Monday with an adopted 2015-16 budget they all could support – some more begrudgingly than others.

Last week Deputy Mayor Kevin Wallace was on board with a revised budget proposal that included a 2-percent property tax increase next year to continue community partnerships, hire an economic development director and set aside a $1-million commitment for a performing arts center, and another 1-percent increase for public safety projects and staffing. The 3-percent property tax approved Monday adds about $15 a year in taxes for a home valued at $500,000, according to the city.

The deputy mayor said Monday he found several items in the revised budget last week that he could not support and needed further discussion, including completing the Downtown Park northeast gateway project in 2015-16, rather than pushing the project back to 2021. Even with what remains of 2008 parks levy and real estate excise tax funding, the city will need to borrow money to complete the project, he said.

Councilmember Conrad Lee attempted to amend the budget to delay the project, but his motion failed 3-4, with Wallace and Councilmember Jennifer Robertson in support. Councilmember Lynne Robinson said the project would cost more the longer the city waited, and Councilmember John Chelminiak said completing the circle would complement downtown development and connectivity.

Wallace also voted against the issuance of up to $74 million in limited tax general obligation bonds for capital improvement projects, saying he did not feel the city had enough long-term assets to justify the expense. Lee also voted in dissent. Finance Director Jan Hawn said $10 million of that is backed by the 2-percent property tax increase included in the 2015-16 budget.

While Wallace said he supported the 1-percent property tax increase that will be used to hire back four of eight firefighter positions lost during the recession and support public safety projects, but could not support it through an ordinance that included the 2-percent tax increase.

Despite Wallace and Lee not supporting ordinances for issuing bonds and raising the property tax, the council unanimously approved an “umbrella” ordinance establishing the city’s 2015-16 budget and 2015-21 capital investment program plan.

Mayor Claudia Balducci credited early planning and establishing a council vision for simplifying the budget process, noting Monday 20 of 25 vision goals are supported in this budget.

“We are really walking our talk with this budget,” she said.