Newport News budget hearing spotlights calls for property-tax relief, support for senior services

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — The Newport News City Council heard public comments asking for greater property-tax relief for long-time homeowners and for continued funding of senior services and local cultural nonprofits during a continuation of the public hearing on the city manager's recommended Fiscal Year 2026 operating budget.

Residents and nonprofit leaders testified that rising assessments and costs are squeezing older residents on fixed incomes and urged the council to consider measures that would reduce tax burdens or improve outreach about exemptions and appeals. After the public comment period, council members voted to excuse Councilman Coleman from the meeting and to close the public hearing.

Marshall Morgart, of 205 Bruton Avenue, told the council he has been on a fixed income and described steep increases in his tax bill since 2019. "Mine personally have gone up from 2019 till now over 35%, which was from $1,800 to $2,800," Morgart said, urging the council to "decrease the rate" to give residents relief.

Bill Massey, chief executive officer of the Peninsula Agency on Aging, thanked council for including the agency in the manager's recommended budget and described the agency's work for older adults, including meals-on-wheels, nonemergency medical transportation, care coordination, information and referral, and in-home care.…