Norfolk council adopts FY2026 budget, keeps tax rate at $1.23 and raises refuse fee
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Summary
Council approved the fiscal year 2026 operating budget and capital improvement plan, keeping the real-estate tax rate at $1.23 per $100 of assessed value and increasing the annual refuse collection fee to $402.12 for single-family units; members and residents urged targeted spending on neighborhood services, schools and seniors.
Norfolk City Council on May 20 adopted the FY2026 annual operating budget and the capital improvement plan (CIP) for July 1, 2025–June 30, 2026, including authorization of bond issuance and appropriations for school grants and other programs.
Council approved R12 (the annual budget ordinance) that maintained the real-estate tax rate at $1.23 per $100 of assessed value and amended the Norfolk City Code to increase the annual refuse-collection fee to $402.12 for each single-family dwelling unit. The council also approved the CIP (R11) appropriating $260,207,613 for FY2026 capital projects, authorizing $180,549,235 in bonds and $79,658,378 in cash expenditures.
Council debate and public comments emphasized neighborhood equity and service distribution. Several council members including Page and others pressed for more targeted investments in historically underserved neighborhoods, for on-site mental-health supports tied to schools and community violence response, and for consideration of tax relief for seniors on fixed incomes. Councilmember Page highlighted that Ward 4 contributes substantial tax revenue and argued for more returns to challenged areas of his ward.
Public commenters also urged prioritizing safety improvements such as street lighting and community programming; a resident raised concerns about crime near Kimbell Terrace and asked for budget attention to neighborhood street lighting and pool schedules.
City officials noted the budget includes funding guided by the city’s community survey, investments in first responders and staffing increases for code enforcement, and approximately $21,000 per student in Norfolk Public Schools as presented to council. Council dispensed with the charter requirement for reading the ordinances twice and adopted the budget ordinances with recorded aye votes by the full council.
What’s next: with adoption, appropriations and bond authorizations move forward under the manager’s authority and with scheduled implementation; several council members asked staff to continue outreach and refine allocations to address trauma, mental health and senior tax relief options.
