Newport News City Council approves borrowing measures, budget readoption and several agreements; votes unanimous

The Newport News City Council on July 22 adopted a series of ordinances and resolutions to fund capital projects, readopt the fiscal 2026 operating budget and authorize intergovernmental and utility agreements. Most measures passed unanimously by a 7–0 vote.

The council adopted an ordinance authorizing the city to contract debt and issue $92,420,000 in general‑obligation bonds to finance various public improvement projects. The council then approved a resolution to issue $30,000,000 in water revenue bonds for water system improvement projects. Both votes were recorded as motions carried, 7–0.

The council also adopted an ordinance authorizing the city manager to execute documents to make offers to acquire property by voluntary sale or, if necessary, condemnation for the Pump Station 56 project; that ordinance passed 7–0. Councilmembers approved readoption of the FY2026 operating budget (ordinance number 8071‑25 as read at the meeting), which the city manager said keeps the school system balanced and increases overall school funding by approximately 2.9% over fiscal 2025; the readoption passed 7–0.

Other approved items included: a…