Frequently Asked Questions

Yes.

Proposition A assuming $40 M of debt was issued at one time: The estimated maximum annual increase in the amount of taxes that would be imposed on a residence homestead in the City with an appraised value of $100,000 to repay the debt obligations to be authorized, if approved, based upon assumptions made by the governing body of the City is $47.21.

Proposition B assuming $30 M of debt was issued at one time: The estimated maximum annual increase in the amount of taxes that would be imposed on a residence homestead in the City with an appraised value of $100,000 to repay the debt obligations to be authorized, if approved, based upon assumptions made by the governing body of the City is $35.41.

Both propositions assuming $70 M of debt was issued at one time:  The estimated maximum annual increase in the amount of taxes that would be imposed on a residence homestead in the City with an appraised value of $100,000 to repay the debt obligations to be authorized pursuant to the Propositions, if all Propositions are approved, based upon the assumptions made by the governing body of the City in each of the respective voter information documents prepared for each of the Propositions, is $ 82.62.

$40 Million - The Cypress Ditch project is the top priority of the Bellaire Regional Drainage Improvement Program as determined by input from the Flood Hazard Mitigation Task Force, City Engineer, and drainage consultants. 

In July, the council hosted a workshop on the bond election.  Below is a link to the Cypress Ditch improvements report discussed at the workshop.

Cypress Ditch Improvements Report

$30 million - The current wastewater treatment plant and Bellaire lift station are at or have reached their useful lifespan.  Repairs and rebuilding to keep the facilities operating are estimated to be far more costly than decommissioning the treatment plant. 

Wastewater Treatment Plant Solutions:

A   Rebuild Wastewater Treatment Plant: $100 Million

B   Rehab Wastewater Treatment Plant: $71.5 Million

OR

C   Demo Wastewater Treatment Plant and connect to City of Houston WWTP: $29.5 Million

Projects included in this bond:

• Pay impact fees to Houston to connect to their wastewater treatment plant
• Decommission and demolish Bellaire's wastewater treatment plant
• Build a new lift station and force main from Bellaire's WWTP to Houston's WWTP
• Rebuild the Bellaire Blvd lift station
• Rehab/replace collection lines
• Potential heavy maintenance on our water storage tanks and backup generation at our water plants

The City of Bellaire engaged HDR Engineering to perform a condition assessment of its wastewater treatment plant (“WWTP”) and three lift stations. The study's results were presented to council in July  2024. Below are the links to the executive summary and technical memo.

HDR Executive Summary - Condition Assessment Bellaire Wastewater Treatment Plant and Lift Stations

Technical Memo Wastewater Facility Improvements Cost Estimate

The anticipated use of the water portion of the bond is heavy maintenance of our elevated and ground storage tanks and backup generation at our drinking water plants. No plan is being discussed to move entirely to the City of Houston surface water, and Bellaire has no plans to decommission any of our three groundwater wells.

Cities can sell bonds to pay for larger capital projects.   Bonds are sold to investors who are looking for a stable return in the future on the money they invest today.  The city commits to repay the bondholders with interest over a specific period (often twenty five years).  Because the repayment is several years, the city only uses bonds for projects with multiple years of life, like drainage, street improvements, parks, and facilities.  

Early Voting: Begins October 21 

Election Day: November 5, 2024

Voting Locations: https://www.harrisvotes.com/Vote-Centers

Voting Information: https://www.harrisvotes.com/

Bellaire City Hall is not an early voting location.

Please email us at 2024bond@bellairetx.gov.