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City Manager Mary Bunting unveils manager's recommended FY26 budget preview
Summary
City Manager Mary Bunting previewed the manager's recommended fiscal 2026 budget, citing a proposed total of $677,930,817, a recommended Hampton City Schools budget of $307,189,611, and a proposed real-estate tax rate reduction to $1.14 per $100 assessed value.
City Manager Mary Bunting presented an early preview of the manager's recommended FY26 budget at the Hampton City Council work session and explained how the operating and capital recommendations align with council priorities and citizen input.
Bunting said, "The total proposed budget for fiscal 26 is $677,930,817," and noted the planned Hampton City Schools recommended budget is $307,189,611. She emphasized that state law requires the schools be included as a subcomponent of the city budget and that the council does not control school spending decisions.
Bunting framed the budget amid economic uncertainty tied to changes in the federal workforce and newly imposed tariffs and said staff would "freeze any new positions or new programs until we have greater clarity about what impacts changing federal policies may have on our revenues." She also highlighted investments intended to protect the city's bond rating and to fund both mandated and priority-driven initiatives.
On tax policy, Bunting proposed a $0.01 reduction in the real estate tax rate, from $1.15 to $1.14 per $100 of assessed value, calling it the fourth straight year of a proposed reduction. Council member Campbell later outlined alternative rate options and trade-offs during the council's discussion.
The full manager's recommended budget was scheduled for public release on April 15, with a public hearing on April 23 and a first reading on May 7.
