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Council presents reconciliation letter reallocating reserves for parks, arts and Atlantic Avenue safety upgrades
Summary
Vice Mayor Wilson read a budget reconciliation letter reallocating reserves—no new local funding—directing $1.3M to youth sports, increased capital for ITA Athletic Village and cross-country trail work, consolidated arts contributions, and major Atlantic Avenue lighting and camera investments.
Vice Mayor Wilson read the council’s reconciliation letter for the FY26–27 operating and capital budgets, describing amendments funded by reallocation of budget reserves rather than by additional local taxes.
Wilson opened by summarizing the public engagement: workshops, two hearings and input via email and online channels, then listed the letter’s key allocations and requests to staff. Among the allocations, the letter directs $1.3 million for youth sports and outdoor activities (including $40,000 to Horizon Hampton Roads, $280,000 in maintenance grants to nonprofit Little Leagues, and $614,000 to the Parks and Recreation Foundation for playground enhancements).
The letter consolidates the city’s contribution to the Virginia Symphony into Cultural Affairs funding at $200,000 ongoing, proposes $100,000 in ongoing support for MOCA’s capital campaign and $25,000 one-time for the Virginia Beach Surf and Rescue Museum, and asks staff to report unexpended arts dedication balances to ensure accurate tracking.
On capital projects, the reconciliation increases year-two funding for the ITA Athletic Village and preservation area, and approves up to $5,638,500 (an increase of $1,500,000) for Sportsplex and Field Hockey Complex improvements from existing appropriations and capital project funds. The letter also designates $25,250,000 for Atlantic Avenue lighting improvements and $26,250,000 to install additional cameras along Atlantic Avenue "to improve public safety in the resort area," the reading said.
The letter asks the city manager for several feasibility reports, including consolidating the FEMA warehouse and resource management facility, options for juvenile services funding, a Pembroke Town Center interconnectivity and mobility plan, parking solutions for Chesapeake Beach and Ocean Park, and a study on implementing a 48-hour work week for the fire department that includes cost options.
Wilson also included personnel and policy adjustments: changes to observed holidays affecting police overtime beginning January 2027 and authorization of a one-and-a-half percent bonus up to $1,500 for sworn positions that do not receive a market adjustment. The letter referenced a potential future council consideration to fund part of the Virginia African American Culture Center's capital campaign if matching state and private funds are secured.
Wilson closed by noting attachments supplied to council on 05/01/2026 contained funding-source details and adjustments necessary to balance the FY26–27 operating and CIP budgets.
Next steps: Council will consider these reconciliation items in the budget adoption process and requested that staff return with the specified feasibility reports and funding details.
