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Newport News council adopts FY2026 operating budget, five‑year CIP and wide package of ordinances
Summary
On May 13 the Newport News City Council approved the fiscal year 2026 operating budget, a five‑year capital improvement plan and a series of ordinances and resolutions — all by unanimous votes — that update tax and utility codes and authorize several policy and program actions.
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 manager's office transmitted the FY2026 CIP to council in October 2024 and presented a revised plan in April 2025 before final approval May 13.
Votes at a glance: - Operating budget for fiscal year 2026 (ordinance to approve the budget and appropriate funds for 07/01/2025–06/30/2026): adopted, motion carried 7–0 (roll call recorded). - Five‑year Capital Improvement Plan (resolution approving FY2026–FY2030 CIP and project list): approved, motion carried 7–0. - Ordinance reordaining Chapter 40 (real estate taxes): adopted, 7–0. - Ordinance amending Chapter 40 (tangible personal property/mobile home and public service corporation taxes): adopted, 7–0. - Ordinance amending real estate tax deferral/exemptions for elderly/disabled persons: adopted, 7–0. - Ordinance amending Chapter 42 (water rates and fees): adopted, 7–0. - Ordinance amending Chapter 33 (sewer connection charges): adopted, 7–0. - Resolution amending policy regarding sewage collection systems: adopted, 7–0. - Ordinance amending Chapter 38 (streets and sidewalks permit requirements and fees): adopted, 7–0. - Ordinance adopting a classification and pay plan for city employees: adopted, 7–0. - Ordinance increasing paid military leave for employees to align with Code of Virginia update: adopted, 7–0. - Resolution adopting the citywide safety action plan (50% reduction by 2046 target): adopted, 7–0. - Resolution adopting a revised Flood Assistance Program policy and authorizing the city manager to apply for flood mitigation grants: adopted, 7–0. - Resolution authorizing lease of Seafood Industrial Park to the Newport News Economic Development Authority (EDA) to support a seafood market project: adopted, 7–0. - Consent items (minutes, and resolution consenting to appointment of Wesley A. Rogers as emergency management coordinator): adopted, 7–0. - Appropriation: $15,000 from Commonwealth's attorney asset forfeiture fund for victim services/community outreach (H‑1): adopted, 7–0.
Most measures passed on unanimous roll calls after no speakers requested the public‑hearing items the council considered; where staff provided summaries, council members had little or no debate before moving to votes. The council meeting packet and staff comments provided the primary project and funding descriptions; the city manager's office recommended approval of the CIP and budget items.
Council members thanked the budget team and city staff multiple times during the meeting for their work on the budget process and public engagement. City staff said the CIP summary included a list of projects by category and a multi‑year funding plan; the meeting transcript records staff describing a multi‑year financial plan and listing major categories of projects, and cites specific aggregate figures in the oral presentation.
The measures take effect as specified by their ordinances and resolutions; council did not record additional substantive amendments during the meeting.
Ending: Council adjourned after final remarks of condolence to City Manager Alan Archer on a family death and routine announcements about community events.
