Hampton schedules budget listening sessions and outlines budget calendar

Mayor Gray and city staff urged residents to take part in a series of public budget listening sessions this month as the city prepares its fiscal 2025 spending plan.

"The next 1 will be next Wednesday, March 19 at Northampton Community Center from 6 until 07:30," the mayor said when listing upcoming listening-session dates and locations. The city manager reiterated the invitation and described multiple formats for participation, including in-person and online opportunities designed to gather resident priorities and preferences.

City staff asked residents to weigh in on priorities and revenue options that could affect property taxes and fees related to wastewater, storm water and solid waste. The city manager provided the schedule for the budget process: the manager's recommended budget preview in early April, release of the recommended budget on April 15, the first public hearing on April 23, a second public hearing on May 7 and final approval on May 14.

"And then the actual budget will be released on April 15," the city manager said. Officials said the feedback collected at the sessions and online polling will be shared with council at its March 26 work session and used to refine staff recommendations.

Next steps: residents can attend the in-person sessions at the Hampton Aquaplex and the American Theatre, participate in the Facebook Live session, or use the city's online polling tools; all input will be summarized for council consideration at the March 26 work session.