Bellevue Mayoral Race Hinges on $20 Million Water Park Tax Strategy

Bellevue voters will choose between incumbent Mayor Rusty Hike and challenger Kevin Pflager in a contest centered on how to lower property taxes. The election pits two different economic strategies against each other: one relying on major new attractions and the other on consistent revenue growth. Property taxes emerged as the primary concern for residents interviewed in the Olde Towne district.

Hike argues that large-scale development provides the necessary financial foundation for tax relief. He cites the upcoming water park and the REACH project as key drivers that will attract out-of-state visitors and businesses. According to Hike, these projects are already drawing hotels and restaurants to the area. "When you're coming from out of state or outside the city, those people are leaving money here in your city, which allows you to start lowering your property taxes," Hike said.

Pflager supports the water park but believes the city should not depend entirely on it for fiscal stability. He stated that he would ensure development surrounding the park complements the attraction if elected. However, he characterized the water park as a "big, fancy idea" that would help but is not a guaranteed method for reducing taxes. Pflager advocates for steady sales tax growth as a more sustainable long-term solution.

The candidates align closely on the revitalization of Olde Towne. Hike describes the district as the city's downtown and a priority for improvement. Pflager also supports upgrades and plans to seek grants and loans to fund the work. He envisions the area as a gathering spot for residents on Friday nights.

The race lacks an official debate, a point of contention for some voters. An 18-year-old first-time voter expressed a desire for more direct comparison between the candidates. Pflager had suggested a debate online, while Hike agreed to participate only if an independent party organized the event. Hike said, "I'm certainly not afraid to debate anybody, but I want to make sure it's an unbiased debate and not some kind of hit job."

Both men faced questions regarding potential conflicts of interest. Residents asked Hike to address his real estate business, noting his ownership of properties in the city. Hike stated that he recuses himself from votes on nearby projects and that his ownership is common among citizens. "I do own some properties around town, but there's a lot of people who own some properties around town," he said.

Hike questioned Pflager's role as a city planner for neighboring Papillion, asking how he could represent Bellevue while planning for a rival municipality. Pflager argued that planners do not recruit development but rather work with developers who have already selected sites. He identified land swaps or boundary adjustments as the only likely conflicts he would face as mayor, noting that many such matters were resolved years ago.