Council adopts FY 2026 budget of $222.8 million; includes COLA and personnel additions

Hopewell City Council on second reading adopted the fiscal year 2026 budget, approving a total budget of $222,772,005.14 and a set of program and personnel changes included in the resolution.

The budget package incorporates a general fund plan, a 3% state-funded cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for constitutional officers and social services, a 3% city-funded COLA for city employees, a $500,000 health-cost increase absorbed by the city, and several staff additions noted by the finance director.

Stacy Jordan, the city chief financial officer, told council the total fiscal year budget is $222,772,005.14 and outlined highlights including funding for public safety implementation, recreation, a 3% COLA for city employees and constitutional officers, funding for mandated social‑services costs and a limited capital-improvement allocation. Jordan said the school operating fund was held level and the city had identified approximately $650,000 for limited capital projects and $250,000 for reserves.

Council opened and closed the public hearing; no members of the public who signed up spoke on the budget during the hearing, while one attendee asked procedural questions about submitting a written comment and the clerk permitted the speaker to deliver remarks. Vice Mayor Joyner moved to adopt the budget resolution and Councilor Day seconded. A roll-call vote recorded unanimous approval from those present and the motion carried.

The adopted resolution authorizes the FY 2026 appropriations as presented and directs staff to proceed with implementation consistent with the city’s financial policies. Copies of the adopted resolution and the budget documents are maintained in the city’s finance office and the public agenda packet.