[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6549636,"mediaKeyId","5442489-bd8e8be413382e56de1f8d6da1171012","parentId",5442489,"title","Bellaire city manager presents $140 million capital plan, staff seeks 3% step raises and utility rate increases","audioSeconds",2419,"startMs",1529000,"endMs",3948000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5442489-bd8e8be413382e56de1f8d6da1171012&start=1529&end=3948","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5442489-bd8e8be413382e56de1f8d6da1171012/thumbnail_1529000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6549636/Bellaire/Harris-County/Texas/Bellaire-city-manager-presents-140-million-capital-plan-staff-seeks-3-step-raises-and-utility-rate-increases","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6549636-a63453a72a7c58de551b55eb5ef0e28b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437043&Signature=n4Fws5IthBpt73e5ChP9k-AL0eUIat6nVJC8v-OWIpVoQV91gAT4ZzQ3kUZyDN6CqkLgFkMMsOKaF-Lfl8SjRxHh0ATwwfRP4KOEc~JhD7r3cpdwYDVk-6jldvb8OyMoIb8UFm4aC7ehHPDT4LUJrFyzRZohuJBTq~Nf-HuZxEojNc6VxCcVRfUE5~VGt9LUdsbbcKL7WdSy4n5JdDsyUDLi9OyfyAG23Ix8CVKgGxBsqzRKs-RUPcwwJ3qxfaMseHGnBJWsBQSKAjvmxe8YULAQPSFGLTG~oLbqaO0PMt5ruu1eb~FyEkDswR1f3JzXq~ZGCop5q4dWi~B7lvK2Pw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Bellaire","date","2025-07-21T00:00:00Z","article","City Manager Sharon Satino presented the City of Bellaire’s proposed fiscal year 2026 budget July 21, saying the total appropriation is “close to $140,000,000,” driven primarily by capital projects and one-time transfers.

Satino said the proposed budget continues the city’s five strategic goals—community, governance, infrastructure and asset management, public safety, and land use—and includes a 3% step increase for eligible employees and a projected 20% rise in medical costs that, together with step pay, the staff estimates will amount to roughly a 4% personnel cost increase overall.

Chief Financial Officer Terrence Beeman reviewed revenue and expenditure assumptions: general fund revenues about $30.8 million, enterprise fund revenues about $16.4 million, and property-tax growth assumptions totaling roughly 5% (3.5% voter-approval rate plus about 1.5% from new construction). The budget assumes a 3% increase in sales tax receipts and modest fee increases. The utility rates follow last year’s rate-study plan: approximately 10% for water, 6% for wastewater and 5% for solid waste in the coming year.

The single largest driver of the higher appropriation is the capital improvements program (CIP). Satino highlighted a jump in capital appropriations and noted the city anticipates receiving about $54 million from the State of Texas that is included in the capital funding plan. Staff proposed reprogramming a previously budgeted line for flood mitigation project management into a broader CIP project-management pool and recommended hiring two outside project-management consultants plus a project coordinator position to augment staff capacity so the city can deliver many simultaneous infrastructure projects.

Staff called out specific recurring and one-time requests included in the proposed budget: a part-time fire marshal; reclassification of a police officer to a sergeant to lead the traffic unit; reclassification of three firefighter-paramedics to engine-operator positions (one per shift); mobile radio replacements for patrol vehicles; purchase of five new police vehicles (including two Ford F-150/Tahoe replacements and three patrol vehicles following the rotation schedule); two air-handler replacements at the recreation center; replacement SCBA (breathing apparatus) and associated monitoring software; a power-load stretcher for the second medic unit; and the normal pulse of funds to the Vehicle, Equipment and Technology (VET) fund for rolling stock replacements. Staff also noted an anticipated engine replacement in FY27 and that acquisition could require a down payment during FY26 depending on financing.

Parks and community items in the proposed budget include opening the recreation center on Sundays (offset by adjusted fees to be revenue neutral), replacing the recreation fitness-room flooring, and funding a number of parks/facilities ADA and master-plan items. The city also proposed a limited number of nonrecurring items such as monumentation-system replacement to improve surveyed home-elevation accuracy and library RFID inventory improvements. Satino noted the budget book includes explanatory notes at the end of each fund to improve transparency about variances from the prior year.

Satino and Beeman told council the next steps are a public hearing and budget workshop on Aug. 11, additional workshops if needed, budget adoption by Sept. 15 and a later public hearing and vote on the tax rate. Councilmembers thanked staff for the documentation and asked to receive questions and answers by email prior to the Aug. 11 workshop.

The presentation did not finalize any appropriations; council scheduled the public hearing and workshops for further review and formal adoption at subsequent meetings.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Bellaire - City Council - Jul 21, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","City Manager Sharon Satino presented the City of Bellaire’s proposed FY2026 budget July 21, highlighting a near $140 million appropriation driven largely by capital projects and proposing a 3% step increase for eligible employees and utility rate increases tied to a prior rate study.","taxTitle","Bellaire, Harris County, Texas","taxId",69496,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6549624,"Votes at a glance: Bellaire council approves consent items, schedules budget hearing, and fills two board seats (unanimous)",815,4806000,5621000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5442489-bd8e8be413382e56de1f8d6da1171012&start=4806&end=5621","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5442489-bd8e8be413382e56de1f8d6da1171012/thumbnail_4806000.jpg","/articles/6549624/Bellaire/Harris-County/Texas/Votes-at-a-glance-Bellaire-council-approves-consent-items-schedules-budget-hearing-and-fills-two-board-seats-unanimous","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6549624-8abc4dae38bdb4140685107d031ea5ce/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437043&Signature=XKmrwdk25f7ktih4oiMZGXjNC30MgEtDh6BFC41uSK-~SHd~xw67Bc5KHhpl1VBmTEjMBqs-iT-iwckHMh40hTlziSrl7bxfw02V6u7eFPmNvpvWei2poGIrAq19P0~yv1MXGZ97v5Pm3r-hSut8~kHFwRgjV3YefFmyro~C7MXInIKdc4NchsHJDyaMJQVVwcfeeUtqoOGl1k~WCT~PpI0iSCEkaVoMEmHj3uxNUVqMAIK1vhes3be5XwZEUj~Ban~xtxPpVm97J8UkzBPfugx8VpKQvB1cfM4GeW~ZwUryzLmGyKcrMGw7~hUn4T-FnaQ~8ce5kqo88FY1TqElTQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","This summary lists the formal votes recorded during the Bellaire City Council meeting on July 21, 2025.

Consent agenda (Items A and B)
The council approved two consent ordinances by a single motion: (A) an ordinance authorizing the city manager to execute contracts with Center Technologies for hardware, software and related services for up to $80,000 for the remainder of FY2025; and (B) an ordinance designating the Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector’s office to calculate and submit necessary information under Texas truth-in-taxation rules. Motion carried 6–0.

Ordinance calling a public hearing on the proposed FY2026 budget
The council adopted an ordinance setting a public hearing on the proposed FY2026 budget for Aug. 11, 2025, at 6 p.m., and the ordinance passed on a unanimous voice/hand vote 6–0.

Appointments
- Board of Adjustment: Judd Eisenberg was appointed to the Board of Adjustment following council votes. The appointment passed 6–0.
- Building and Standards Commission: Michael Skoller (structural engineer) was appointed to fill a partial unexpired term through June 2026. The appointment carried 6–0.

Procedural note: The council cleared remaining open volunteer positions during the meeting; all recorded votes described above were unanimous without recorded dissents.","Council approved two consent ordinances, adopted an ordinance calling a public hearing on the FY2026 budget, and appointed members to the Board of Adjustment and the Building and Standards Commission. All recorded votes were unanimous 6–0.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6549629,"Residents, city push Evergreen Park redevelopment; fundraising events planned in August",1046,51000,1097000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5442489-bd8e8be413382e56de1f8d6da1171012&start=51&end=1097","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5442489-bd8e8be413382e56de1f8d6da1171012/thumbnail_51000.jpg","/articles/6549629/Bellaire/Harris-County/Texas/Residents-city-push-Evergreen-Park-redevelopment-fundraising-events-planned-in-August","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6549629-8305caec4df5e7ee9c9ecb07b7c66520/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437043&Signature=m-b1MnKLuHczKZbOjXS2X3e6q9SLL6sOEdWoE5D3CNuJmxIHeZISjPM7nRQYEWTc4oncbxmKKLSKSzTxpv-rqtXMNXJt6gGIiLctsOe5QSa6YfkD1v3js266eSQrdgg09dYcWJ-QuHz-MpqbsLdAiljVFEpxmrMs40c7e2rUO7Ru5cbKigOMYQ-EWDMUl0oXmZcKHZh-SVxxt-wSFV4qoUdaaguGKQnPggYh4vvoZq0dKfpqkhy830WRdya0MUgIiY~WZcigo9mPwTCneFtW5TOL9gddr5z1uRjJVVE9GEWUZ9IWJAI0v7aCyg9lmnCIcpjykNDqdULzp2Eo7k7f4Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Councilmember Taylor and City Manager Sharon Satino highlighted community fundraising and outreach for the Evergreen Park and Pool redevelopment during the July 21 meeting.

Taylor described the We Are Evergreen Committee’s long-running effort, saying neighbors and new families have recently volunteered contacts and financial support. Satino and Parks Director Ryan Smith outlined several upcoming fundraisers to support the redevelopment: a “Moms on the Loose” event (Friday, Aug. 15, 7–10 p.m., 77, 6700 Ferris St., Suite 130; $60 per person with two drink tickets), and an Evergreen Duck Derby (Saturday, Aug. 23, 9–11 a.m., Evergreen Pool at 4500 Evergreen St.; ducks cost $5 each, six for $25 or 40 for $100). Staff directed residents to weareevergreen.org for details and online contributions.

Satino said Parks and Recreation is also hosting a free family “Cool Down Day” on July 24 and a Dive-In Movie Night on Aug. 7 at the Bellaire Family Aquatic Center. Smith proposed opening the recreation center on Sundays to increase access (staff said fee adjustments would make the change revenue neutral) and included a request to replace the fitness-room flooring. Satino noted those changes would appear in the fee schedule and budget packet.

Councilmembers and staff framed Evergreen Park as a broadly nonpartisan, community-driven project that has drawn sustained interest and new participants. No formal action or appropriation for the park redevelopment was approved July 21; council scheduled budget workshops and hearings where specific funding questions will be considered.","Councilmember Taylor and staff described community engagement and upcoming fundraisers for the Evergreen Park and Pool redevelopment. The city manager outlined related parks events and a proposed rec-center Sunday opening to accommodate users ahead of fee changes.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6549633,"Resident urges return of sirens; city officials point to state STEER sign-up and agree to research options",400,347000,747000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5442489-bd8e8be413382e56de1f8d6da1171012&start=347&end=747","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5442489-bd8e8be413382e56de1f8d6da1171012/thumbnail_347000.jpg","/articles/6549633/Bellaire/Harris-County/Texas/Resident-urges-return-of-sirens-city-officials-point-to-state-STEER-sign-up-and-agree-to-research-options","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6549633-c6e9b41e9d171f3466b7b09c82e09b8b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437043&Signature=RiY27RXKpkSCzzDpb8sU3LURFyiITTQVNuFbTQo9UmYGd6WImDStQuHewj-8wyRxK4OxiuHVMu048CcWKUzOTv~R3JQt~MiP-yuaFu0SPx4NqwKwfl4Q0yW5om76UDGyAheL-nJg0nvUjmkXHenXPHeKKhlmgH-T49zxctpzgvHV6XA3yIXYHyvTsn7NVLNtnDG~V1zLsnNbli4VdXkJFHjyCJc1rtJ8e9LGi8FMickvWF6EQWIpBBHUSsSoMHXUoR~KoVSzZEm3BuW-Hxhz9pdEXvHBfRlpG2-7WsaFtRPFKQd5X36SE5yat8oXixTFoVMfD1kwyJdifXnDMK1q5w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A long-time Bellaire resident urged the City Council July 21 to consider restoring a public siren system to supplement cellphone emergency alerts and door-to-door warning efforts.

Resident Daniel (identified in the meeting transcript as Mr. Platt/Blanton) told the council he missed a phone alert while mowing his lawn during a chemical incident in 2023 and cited other regional hazardous-incident examples, tornado vulnerability and flash flooding as reasons the city should not rely solely on cellphone notifications.

Fire Chief and Emergency Manager Deacon Tittle described the state of Texas “STEAR” (referred to in the meeting as the S.T.E.R. program) signup and outreach process as managed by the Texas Division of Emergency Management. Tittle said residents can register through the city website or by phone and the city will attempt outreach before and after an event and do follow-up checks for registrants when necessary. He reported that a recent outreach campaign helped raise registrations from about 25 to roughly 1,100 over the course of an 18‑month push and encouraged more residents to sign up.

Councilmembers and staff discussed sirens' costs and distinguishing civil‑defense-style sirens from vehicle sirens used by emergency responders. Councilmember Taylor and others said sirens should be explored because cellphone service can fail during severe storms and because sirens provide a non‑digital, broad alerting method. Councilmember Lewis asked how a warning siren would be distinguishable from traffic and ambulance sirens; staff replied the tone and pattern are distinct for public warnings. No formal motion or appropriation was made July 21; council members asked staff to research options and costs and report back for further consideration.

The city manager and fire chief provided sign-up options for the state program and public information that would remain available on the city website.","A resident told Bellaire City Council July 21 that the city should not rely solely on cellphone alerts and urged reinstalling public warning sirens after citing past hazardous spills and local flash floods. Fire Chief Deacon Tittle described the state-managed STEER program and staff said they will explore siren options and costs.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Bellaire city manager presents $140 million capital plan, staff seeks 3% step raises and utility rate increases

Votes at a glance: Bellaire council approves consent items, schedules budget hearing, and fills two board seats (unanimous)

Residents, city push Evergreen Park redevelopment; fundraising events planned in August

Resident urges return of sirens; city officials point to state STEER sign-up and agree to research options