Bellevue residents will receive their 2011 property tax bills this week, with higher rates, despite lower property values. The reason? Voters have approved increases in the school levy.

The average Bellevue home (valued at $563,000) will receive a property tax assessment of approximately $4,900 said King County Deputy Assessor John Arthur Wilson. The rate is slightly more than 10 percent greater than last year’s rate of $4,571 (when the average home was valued at $579,000).

The total assessed value of property in King County was down 3.38 percent in 2010, a smaller decline than in 2009 when total assessed values dropped 11.61 percent.

The rising tax, despite decreasing property values, stems from Bellevue citizens’ decision to approve two school bond measures last February. Tax rates rose approximately 80 cents per $1,000 of assessed value, with the school-related charges comprising 51 cents of that total, Wilson said. The rest of the tax lies in the various tax districts ability to raise taxes by 1 percent plus taxes on construction.

Countywide, a total of 44 property tax ballot measures were approved by voters for collection in 2011, and 38 were for school district levies. As a result, property taxes will go up in 17 of the 20 school district areas within King County.

About 53 percent of property tax revenue collected in King County goes to support schools. Cities and other local governments, such as fire districts and hospital districts, receive 27 percent of the property tax collection (there are 163 local taxing districts in King County). King County government receives approximately 18 percent, and the Port of Seattle receives 2 percent.

Property taxes can be paid in two installments. The first is due Monday, May 2, with the final payment due Oct. 31.

Nat Levy can be reached at 425-453-4290.