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City manager outlines budget process shift, proposes budget-committee dates and facility tour
Summary
City Manager presented the 2025-26 budget process framework, proposing March–May budget-committee meetings (including an optional April 14 facility tour) and emphasizing alignment with council goals, realism in annual budgeting and a multi-year capital planning approach.
City Manager presented an overview of the 2025–26 budget process at the Feb. 18 Newport City Council meeting and proposed dates for the budget committee, including an optional tour of city facilities.
The manager said the budget should reflect council goals set during the recent retreat and emphasized being realistic about what can be accomplished in a 12-month fiscal year. The staff will continue building a seven-year financial strategy and a 10-year capital improvement program while prioritizing achievable items for the upcoming fiscal year.
Proposed budget-committee dates are: - March 25, 5 p.m. — initial meeting and selection of presiding officer - April 14, 2 p.m. — optional facility tour for budget-committee members (staff said this is optional but recommended) - April 29, 5 p.m. — presentation of proposed budget and department-head briefings - May 20, 5 p.m. — final adjustments and committee recommendation to city council
The manager said department heads will prioritize budget additions and that the city manager will retain veto authority over requests, with prioritization guided by council goals. Meetings will be held in person at council chambers with a virtual option. Staff warned that the budget presentation meetings may run longer; examples discussed put the longer sessions in the 2–4 hour range.
Councilors suggested recording department presentations for public view and filming the optional tour to expand public accessibility. The manager said staff would consider those options. Councilors also sought clarity on meeting length and structure; the manager and council discussed a practical cap on meeting duration and the use of staggered agenda handling if questions require follow-up between sessions.
The council did not take a formal vote on the dates at the meeting but indicated the proposed schedule worked for members present and that staff should proceed with the process.
