Voters approved $70 million in 2024 for various drainage, water, and wastewater improvements, of which $40 million (Prop A), is now purposed for the widening of Cypress Ditch and $30 million for various improvements for water and wastewater projects. The Mayor has stated that the full amount of the bonds may not be sold for some time.
Many Bellaire residents were unaware that when they approved Prop B for $30 million dollars that they were essentially approving the demolition of the plant and a connection to a City of Houston wastewater facility. Find a current list of cities and communities served by a City of Houston WWTP here.
To view the actual ballot language for those bond proposals check out pages 4 and 5 of the sample ballot for Bellaire.
At the recent Bellaire City Council Workshop on December 9th regarding the future of the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), every comment in person or by email was in opposition to the loss of the plant.
Over $8 milion was paid to Siemens for repairs and equipment for the WWTP in 2017-2018, consisting of Aeration System – $2,448,527, Digester Upgrades – $1,289,479, Main Lift Station – $2,809,323, Disinfection System Conversion – $532,435, and RAS Pumps & Flow Control – $432,390.
Now we may see a detention pond in the WWTP area, and the acquisition of more detention area in Houston in exchange for the Ruffino Hills land. West University sold their portion of Ruffino Hills for $10.5 million.
Everything seems directed towards getting rid of the Bellaire WWTP, paying numerous outside sources for projects ranging from demolition to detention ponds to real estate in Houston, and to borrowing more money.
Maybe that sounds like the easy way out now, but no one knows the future. Bellaire’s bonded debt now is $92 million dollars, requiring about $9.5 million in debt service annually. Based on the Comprehensive Financial Report on the Bellaire website (FY2023) current debt service equals about 40% of the tax levy FY2022. Bellaire’s bonded debt could increase, from $92 million to as much as $176 million, depending on when the first tranche of bonds or certificates of obligation are sold.
Speak in person or send comments to the Mayor and City Council via our City Clerk, Tracy Dutton, at tdutton@bellairetx.gov
My Letter To The Mayor and City Council
Link to City of Bellaire web page for the updated bond information. Demolition of the WWTP seems to have been approved!
Construction on the new Bellaire High school is complete. The original building was demolished during the week of July 13-17, 2021. 
FEMA imposes requirements for new structures and limits on existing structures in flood zones. Check with Development Services for more information,