Newport aldermen approve budget amendments, codes update, property purchase and set annexation public hearing process

The City of Newport Board of Aldermen on June 10 approved a package of ordinances and measures including budget amendments, updates to the city's fire code, purchase of a riverfront parcel and a resolution to move an annexation request to a public hearing.

The board voted on multiple ordinances and motions during the regularly scheduled meeting. The measures passed by roll call or unanimous consent included: a city budget amendment (Ordinance 2025-O-7); a budget amendment for Newport Grammar School (Ordinance 2025-O-8); adoption of the city's annual operating and capital budget and tax rate for fiscal year 2025'26 (Ordinance 2025-O-9); an amendment to the zoning ordinance to strengthen landscaping and screening (Ordinance 2025-O-10); and adoption of the 2021 International Fire Code and the 2021 NFPA 101 Life Safety Code (Ordinance 2025-O-11).

The board also approved the reappointment of Terry White to the planning commission and authorized the police department to apply for a Norfolk Southern safety grant of up to $15,000. The board approved an audit contract renewal and awarded a bid for annual paving for FY2025'26. Council approved purchase of playground equipment for City Park in the amount of $15,405 and approved a request to host a…