Newport News council establishes independent city auditor, updates city code, expands surviving-spouse tax exemption and approves property purchase

Newport News City Council on Jan. 28 adopted a package of ordinances and a purchase resolution that together establish an independent city auditor, revise parts of the city code for administrative and safety purposes, expand a surviving-spouse real property tax exemption, and authorize purchase of a portion of property at 15446 Wharck Boulevard from St. George's Episcopal Church.

The measures passed with little debate. The ordinance creating the Office of the City Auditor passed on a recorded vote of 6-0 after the city manager said the office would be “an independent entity dedicated to fostering transparency, accountability, and efficiency in city governance” and recommended approval. Council also voted 6-0 to adopt a separate ordinance amending city code to streamline administrative processes, require enhanced criminal-history and background checks for certain applicants, employees and volunteers, and to remove the Department of Internal Audit from the code.…