The Bellevue City Council got its first feedback during the 2013-2014 budget process, and like the ledger itself, little took shape.
Only three individuals showed up to testify about the budget, which is in its earliest phases, with no concrete proposals offered. This first meeting is not required by state law, but Bellevue traditionally holds a public hearing early in the process to attempt to gather information on public priorities. Monday night, representatives from the Bellevue Downtown Association, the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce and the city’s Probation Advisory Board spoke to about the budget. The representatives from the BDA and the chamber came forth to argue for principles, such as the importance of keeping downtown issues at the forefront, and making business-friendly decisions. Clark Rice, the chair of the parole board, came in to stump for a specific program that helps people recently released from jail regain their driver’s licenses.
“People need to know how to get driver’s licenses to get to work,” he said. “People who are caught in that circle don’t always know what to do.”
Departments recently submitted their priorities and situations to the budget office, said Budget Manager Toni Rezab. Budget officials have not yet crunched the numbers, and those results will fully determine if any cuts will need to happen. Those results will be given to City Manager Steve Sarkozy, who will release a budget this fall. Two more public hearings will be held before the end of the process on July 23 and Nov. 19.
City officials said last month that funds within the general budget are in good shape, with revenue and expense close to matching up, but the seven-year capital fund for construction-type projects is facing an extensive shortfall.
According to city figures, through 2019, the capital fund is approximately $31 million short of projections. Though it is early on in the budget process, city officials suggested the council stretch the capital plan out an extra two years, from 2017 to 2019, and use a $22.3 million contingency to cover the rest of the shortfall.
This would leave an extra $19 million for discretionary projects that come up over the years. This figure is roughly in line with the approximately $73 million available for discretionary spending from 2011 through 2017.
Kevin Kelly, spokesman for the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce suggested extending the CIP this year out to 10 years, given looming long-term projects such as East Link light-rail and development of the Bel-Red Corridor. The idea gained traction with several council members.
