Bellevue welcomed more than 5,000 new residents to the city with a party at the South Bellevue Community Center Thursday.

The party, which not all of the city’s new residents attended, was both a chance to celebrate the milestone of annexing residents from Eastgate, Tamara Hills, Horizon View and Hilltop, but also an opportunity for education. Representatives from nearly every city department were on hand to greet new residents and tell them about city services.

“We’re happy it’s finally happening after all this time,” said Will Austin, who has lived in the area for a year and a half.

After hearing about the annexation effort from a neighbor, Austin wanted to help. He signed petitions, and he started to volunteer with the city. He put up yard signs and found more people to sign up.

Among all services, Austin said he is most excited about having Bellevue Police protection. Austin recalled an event happening at a maintenance yard within Bellevue’s city limits, but because he lived in the unincorporated area, he had to use King County Sheriffs.

Lower taxes don’t hurt either.

According to city figures, the owner of an averaged value property in Eastgate ($382,800) will see a total of $467 less in taxes and fees per year – 978 less property tax, $189 more storm water fees and $322 more utility taxes.

While Austin has only been involved in the issue through its latest push, many have sat and watched as the city tried to annex the areas. Several efforts in the past have failed, but the newest push had a decidedly more positive vibe attached to. The city faced a loss of about $1 million annually by taking in the new residents, but a state program that allows Bellevue to collect a portion of sales tax which would have gone to the state, made the move financially possible.

Councilmember John Chelminiak has been involved with the issue since he was first elected in 2004. He was excited to see the happy new residents. And to get the issue off the city’s plate.

“It’s been an issue that’s been here,” he said. “I was just really glad to get it going.”

Will Austin discusses city services and fees with Bellevue officials at the party for newly annexed residents at the South Bellevue Community Center July 26. NAT LEVY, Bellevue Reporter