Newport council reviews budget reorganization, salaries consolidated into general fund

At its Dec. 1 meeting, the Newport City Council reviewed major sections of the proposed fiscal 2026 budget and a new chart of accounts that consolidates previously split salary and administrative lines into broader general fund categories.

Mayor Rick Ufford Chase said the presentation brought together three major workstreams: a capital improvement plan, water/sewer budgets still under development, and a new chart of accounts that changes how labor costs are recorded. He said staff (including Carrie Schultz and Clerk‑Treasurer Jim Johnson) and consultant Chip Stern are working on interfund transfer calculations to reflect staff time shared among departments.

Assessor Frank told the council the city signed a reappraisal contract (work begins in 2026) and proposed a $31,000 part‑time property assessment clerk (24 hours/week) to prepare city records and data ahead of the contractor’s work. "We are proposing a $31,000 addition for a part‑time position that's being budgeted under reappraisal salaries," Frank said.

Public Works Director Tom reviewed consolidation of materials and repair line items, noted three employees previously shared across water and sewer will be budgeted in public works, and gave a causeway construction status update; Chief Travis Bingham summarized the police budget, noting salaries and benefits represent roughly 90% of the department’s costs and that dispatch income is projected to total $320,000 for calendar 2026 (split across fiscal years). Council asked staff to return in two weeks with interfund transfer detail and capital plan items.