Chesapeake City council adopts FY 2025'026 budget, keeps property tax rate unchanged

The Chesapeake City Town Council on May 12 unanimously approved Ordinance 2025-001, adopting the town's fiscal year July 1, 2025'026 budget following a public hearing and a line-by-line presentation by town staff.

The budget hearing was opened after Mayor Rich Taylor read the ordinance summary and Rob Bernstine, the town manager, and Brian Hunsberger, the treasurer, presented the final draft. Notice of the public hearing was published in the Cecil Daily on April 25, 2025 and posted at Town Hall and on the town's website and Facebook page.

"Thanks to everyone that worked on the budget, it is a huge undertaking!" Mayor Rich Taylor said at the meeting.

Why it matters: The budget establishes the town's revenues and spending priorities for municipal operations and capital work from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026. During reports, councilmember Lee Adams noted the wastewater treatment plant project is nearing completion and staff are preparing an updated USDA pay application tied to that project.

Council approved the ordinance after the presentation. Frank Vari moved to approve Ordinance 2025-001 and Sarah Ford-Ferrara seconded; the motion was recorded as "all in favor, motion carried." The minutes do not include a roll-call vote tally beyond that record.

In related action, the council approved Resolution 2025-002 to keep the real property tax rate unchanged at $0.5300 per $100 of assessed value for FY 2025'026. Lee Adams moved to approve the resolution and Sarah Ford-Ferrara seconded; the motion carried as recorded.

The council concluded by distributing the Town Manager's Report and the monthly financials. The meeting adjourned at 7:52 p.m.