City manager proposes $1.27 billion FY2027 budget, including $3M boost for schools and $18 minimum wage

City Manager Alan presented the Newport News recommended FY2027 operating budget and outlined new resident-focused grants, staffing changes and revenue assumptions during a council work session.

"Additionally, this budget includes several new initiatives aimed at assisting residents and neighborhoods," Alan said as he introduced the plan, which the administration described as aligned to council priorities on people, place, culture and connection and engaged government.

Lisa Cipriano, the city's director of budget and evaluation, told council the budget totals $1,267,000,000 across the general fund, school operating fund and other funds. She said the administration recommends keeping the real estate tax rate at $1.18 per $100 of assessed value; because assessments rose on average about 3.56 percent, the city expects increased collections even without a rate change. Cipriano said the net new revenue from assessments and other changes is roughly $16.5 million, while growth in veterans tax relief will reduce some of those gains.

Cipriano described several notable proposals in the recommended budget: a $3,000,000…