Newport News council adopts FY2026 operating budget, five‑year CIP and wide package of ordinances

Newport News City Council on May 13 adopted the fiscal year 2026 operating budget, approved a five‑year capital improvement plan and passed a slate of ordinances and resolutions covering tax code changes, water and sewer fees, personnel pay classifications and other city policies.

The measures, taken during a regularly scheduled council meeting at City Hall, passed largely on unanimous roll calls. Council also approved a capital spending plan the city manager described as a multi‑year list of projects and funding sources, and approved policy updates authorizing the city manager to pursue grant applications tied to flood mitigation.

Councilors and city staff said the adopted budget and CIP will fund building maintenance, street improvements and major investments in waterworks, stormwater and wastewater systems; examples mentioned in the meeting packet and manager's remarks included renovations to Warwick High School, Seafood Industrial Park work, neighborhood investment and athletic field lighting upgrades. The city…