The details
City Manager Sharon Citino stated during the meeting that the budget increase is due to the city prioritizing capital improvement projects, with the capital improvement funds increasing to nearly $83 million, a significant jump from the $2 million allocated in FY 2024-25.
Citino said the rise in capital improvement funds is due to the amount of grants and state support for numerous city projects, as well as transfer funds from general or enterprise funds to the capital improvement funds.
For example, Citino said $54 million of the funding comes from the state of Texas to support the city’s Cypress Ditch Improvements Project. The project will work on improving the ditch, which is primarily used for the city’s storm drainage systems, to help against future flooding, according to previous Community Impact reporting.
Other infrastructure projects in the capital improvement funds include:
- $7.2 million: The remodeling of the city’s public works building
- $2.7 million: The installation of the Bellaire lift station
- $600,000: Evergreen Park improvements
- $228,000: Parks Master Plan
The proposed budget also has $30 million in general funds, a $1.5 million increase from last year’s budget. Public safety departments such as police and fire departments received the most from the general fund, with a combined 45% for the two departments.
Citino said a public hearing for the proposed budget will be held Aug. 11 and 12, giving residents the chance to share their concerns or ask questions about the budget.
The budget is expected to be adopted Sept. 15, along with a public hearing and adoption of the tax rate, she said.
