The city of Bellevue said it doesn't have to raise the levy to add six more uniformed officers to its police force in 2023. The budget proposal, which went before a special council meeting on Tuesday evening, calls for a 30% increase in the police operations budget. The police budget is 85% pay and benefits, according to assistant chief Tom Dargy. "The demand for officers throughout the state is very high," said Dargy, who noted the salaries for new Bellevue police officers start at more than $57,000. "We're trying to be proactive and get our officers hired ahead of time," he said. About two and a half years ago, according to Dargy, Bellevue had 82 uniformed officers. That number is now at 105, and if it increases to 111, would mark a 35% increase over the timespan. He said as Bellevue continues to expand and annex property, more law enforcement is needed. A recent citizen survey is what led to the uptick in officers. "When they pick up the phone and dial 911, they want someone to respond to their call and meet their needs," he said. "We want to maintain a proactive department instead of a reactive department." Dargy said if the police force is too small, officers can't focus as much on community policing and being involved in the neighborhoods, which is essential to driving down crime rates. "Just like anybody, want to live in a safe community and we want to provide that for them." The 2023 budget also includes an 18% increase for the fire department, while all other city expenditures remain flat. The $109 million budget is about 1% more than 2022. According to notes from the Wednesday meeting, the city will need to use $3 million from the cash reserve to fund all 2023 needs, dropping the total from $45 million to $42 million.While the mill levy will remain at 61 cents for every $100 of property (0.61%), the same as it has been since 2014, property taxes will likely increase since the total Bellevue property valuation is up to $$4.96 billion. That's 8.3% higher than the $4.58 billion that was calculated in 2021. A public hearing is scheduled for Aug. 16. The city council is expected to vote on the budget on Sept. 6.