News Flash

May 10, 2017 – Hampton City Council adopted a budget for Fiscal Year 2018 that represents a 1% increase over this year’s budget.

The $467.8 million budget includes $186.3 million for the city’s operating expenses; $203.7 million for schools’ operation; and $77.9 million for other items (debt/capital for city and schools, regional entities, etc.).

There is no general tax increase; however, the city is adding a tax on recreational vehicles, below the regular personal property rate, at $1.50 per hundred of value. All other localities in the region tax RVs, budget information showed, with $1.50 as the most common rate. 

The trash fee also will increase to fund replacement equipment. That will amount to an extra 22 cents a week, or $11.44 a year, per household. 

Other budget highlights include:

• Boosted funds for schools beyond the funding formula, both for operations and for one-time academy funding
• Investments in police equipment
• Adding 12 police officers this year
• Expanding youth violence prevention efforts
• Enhanced public safety street lighting program
• School personnel and full-time city staff will get 2% raises

Mayor Donnie Tuck praised City Manager Mary Bunting and her staff for producing a budget in a difficult year, noting that statistics show the entire Hampton Roads region has tended to lag the nation in the economic recovery. Some other localities, he noted, were forced to consider raising real estate tax rates this year.

City Council made few changes to the Manager’s Recommended Budget, which is online now. The final version of the approved budget will be posted by the beginning of the fiscal year on July 1.