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Newport News council re-adopts budget, renews CenturyLink license and approves library site
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Summary
Council re-adopted the FY2025–26 budget ordinance (amending Ordinance 8071‑25), approved a five‑year CenturyLink right‑of‑way license renewal (07/01/2026–06/30/2031), accepted conveyance of a 5.7‑acre parcel for the future Grissom Library at 13771 Warwick Boulevard, and reallocated $2 million from the FY2022 bond for parks projects; all votes were unanimous (6-0).
City staff recommended and council approved several routine but consequential items affecting city operations and capital projects.
Budget: Staff asked council to adopt an ordinance amending Ordinance 8071‑25 (as previously amended by Ordinance 8091‑25 and Resolution 13963‑26) to readopt and appropriate funds for FY 2025–26 (FY beginning 07/01/2025 ending 06/30/2026). Council adopted the ordinance on a 6‑0 vote.
Telecommunications: The manager recommended approval of a resolution renewing the city’s license agreement with CenturyLink Communications for the use of the city right‑of‑way. The existing agreement is due to expire 06/30/2026; the renewal would run from 07/01/2026 through 06/30/2031. Council approved the five‑year renewal 6‑0.
Library site conveyance: Council adopted an ordinance accepting conveyance of a 5.7‑acre parcel at 13771 Warwick Boulevard from the Economic Development Authority to serve as the future site of the new Grissom Library; the motion passed 6‑0.
Parks reallocation: Council approved a resolution appropriating $2,000,000 from the FY2022 bond authorization (parks and recreation category), reallocating $211,000 previously allocated for the Stony Run Greenway to support other parks and recreation infrastructure improvement projects; vote 6‑0.
Why it matters: The actions secure near‑term funding and property for capital projects and extend an expiring telecommunications license. The Grissom Library land conveyance establishes the site for a future community facility, while the parks reallocation provides funding flexibility for city infrastructure work.
