The big picture
Overall, Pappas described the state of the city as "very strong," referencing a list by the online real estate company Opendoor that ranked Bellaire as the 12th most family-friendly city in the U.S., based on outdoor recreational opportunities.
Citing a growing interest among families to move to Bellaire, Pappas said it will be important for the city to continue to develop its business districts, which he said would help increase sales tax revenue and lower tax burdens on property owners. Ongoing efforts to update the city's comprehensive plan will work toward that end, he said.
"We need to make sure the people in Bellaire and the surrounding areas ... that they will come in and see they don’t have to go to the Galleria," Pappas said. "That they can get the things they need here. It’s not only a good thing for our residents, but its practical and it helps us pay the bills."
By the numbers
About 63% of the city's $26.5 million general fund revenue for the 2023-24 fiscal year comes from property taxes, according to city budget documents. The city historically stays within its budget, Pappas said.
"We don’t spend money we don’t have, and I think that’s incredibly important and a bit unique for most governmental entities," he said.
Meanwhile, the city is projected to have roughly $92 million in bond debt by September, according to budget documents, debt the city has taken on for street and drainage work, and other infrastructure projects. Pappas said the city typically pays off around $6 million in debt annually.
What else
Pappas, who officially took over as Bellaire mayor in January, lauded work done under the previous administration to fill vacancies in city staff, specifically calling out new hires at development service director, public works director, assistant public works director, human resources director and assistant city manager.
Looking ahead
With regards to major drainage projects, Pappas said the city is "actively engaged" in identifying all potential sources of funding for a Cypress Slough Ditch project that falls outside of city limits and could cost as much as $90 million. The Harris County Flood Control District could come in as a funding partner, he said.
Another looming decision will involve acquiring land along the ditch that the city can use to during heavy rain events before sending it to Brays Bayou, Pappas said.
"We have to start some place, and our focus at this point in time is getting Cypress Ditch in a position where we could drain into it," he said. "Looking at our streets and drainage so that we can have our own capacity to store the water that gets to us in a way that doesn’t flood our homes, and then get it to Cypress Ditch, and ultimately get it into Brays Bayou and away from the city."
