City of Hampton
Recent News About City of Hampton
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City Council approves budget with tax rate reduction for Fiscal Year 2025
On Wednesday night, the City Council unanimously approved a budget for Fiscal Year 2025. The new budget includes a 1 cent reduction in real estate tax per $100 of assessed value and staff compensation increases for the city’s civilian workforce.
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Repair Completed on Human Services Main Phone Line
"UPDATE: Human Resources phone line has been repaired. May 8, 2024 - If you are trying to call Human Services/Social Services and can't get through, try these numbers: 757-728-2178; 757-728-2179; or 757-727-1885 (Child Protective Services)."
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City Council to Vote on Recommended Budget for Fiscal Year 2025
May 6, 2024 — The City Council’s work and legislative sessions on Wednesday will be focused on the approval of the city’s budget for Fiscal Year 2025, which begins July 1.City Manager Mary Bunting, after seeking input and feedback from residents through a series of “I Value” meetings, has proposed a budget that includes a 1 cent decrease in the real estate tax per $100 of assessed value for next year. If passed, the rate will have dropped 9 cents from Fiscal Year 2022 to Fiscal Year 2025.The legislative session will be preceded at 6 p.m. by a spotlight ceremony...
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City Mailing Postcards About Proposed Zoning for Short-Term Rentals
May 2, 2024 - Every property owner in the city will receive a postcard that says their property is being considered for a zoning map change. Community Development Director Bonnie Brown assures residents, "Don’t be alarmed." The proposed change would create overlay zones that will only affect where short-term rentals (STRs) can operate and won’t change the basic zoning of your property."If approved, the change will divide the city into 51 zones," states an unnamed source. Within each zone, the current proposal would allow only 1% of the residences to be short-term rentals....
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Hampton History Museum Dockside Seafood Feast Tickets Now Available
Tickets for the annual Dockside Seafood Feast hosted by the Hampton History Museum are now on sale, with the event set to take place on May 18 at the historic Graham & Rollins working waterfront dock in Downtown Hampton. The feast promises a night filled with seafood, music, a silent auction, and a raffle, all for a good cause.The Dockside Seafood Feast is not only a culinary delight but also a fundraiser for the museum's educational programs. Attendees can enjoy a variety of all-you-can-eat seafood entrees, including sautéed scallops, fried flounder, shrimp cocktail,...
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Rep. Bobby Scott presents Hampton with $1.38 million for flood projects
U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott recently handed over a $1,383,069 grant to Hampton officials aimed at bolstering the city's resilience against flooding. The grant is intended to assist in purchasing properties in flood-prone areas to mitigate repetitive losses. Scott expressed his gratitude towards Hampton for their efforts in enhancing the city's resilience, stating, "We appreciate the good work of Hampton, making Hampton a more resilient place to live."The city of Hampton plans to acquire properties voluntarily as they become available for sale in flood-prone regions, with a...
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Budget Discussions Take Center Stage at Hampton City Council Meetings
Budget discussions will dominate City Council meetings in Hampton on Wednesday, as various topics related to finances and taxation are set to be addressed. The afternoon work session will feature briefings and discussions on key financial matters, including the Hampton City Schools budget and a request to increase the service district tax for Elizabeth Lakes. Additionally, the City Manager's Recommended Budget will be a focal point for council members.During the evening meeting, the Finance Committee will present an analysis of the proposed real estate tax rate, aligning...
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Proposed regulations for short-term rentals discussed
A new proposal for how to decide where short-term rentals (like Airbnb and VRBO) can be located in Hampton was discussed at the Planning Commission on Thursday. The proposal would also streamline the process for approving locations.According to the Hampton city officials, "Within each zone, only 1% of the residences could be short-term rentals." The requirement for separation distances of 500 feet apart, unless they are side-by-side, is aimed at limiting the impact on neighborhoods. This measure is designed so that "the rental businesses would not overwhelm a street or...
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Proclamation Ride and Words on Wheels to Highlight National Bike Month in Hampton
Hampton, Apr 19 2024 - The Bike Walk Hampton program has announced that two popular annual events, the Proclamation Ride and Words on Wheels, will be featured as part of National Bike Month in May.The Proclamation Ride, scheduled for Wednesday, May 1, will depart from City Hall at 6 p.m. The leisurely 5-mile journey through downtown Hampton is expected to last approximately 45 minutes, with a casual pace suitable for all participants. City Hall, the starting point for the ride, is situated at 22 Lincoln St.Following the Proclamation Ride, on Sunday, May 19, Words on...
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Planning Commission Considers Zoning Amendments and Short-Term Rental Briefing
Hampton's Planning Commission is set to deliberate on a series of zoning amendments that touch upon private schools with physical recreational facilities and adjustments to the Coliseum Central district. These discussions will take place during the commission's meeting on Thursday afternoon, where an update on proposed changes to short-term rental requirements will also be presented.According to the report, the amendments aim to introduce a new designation for "physical recreational facilities for uses," accommodating activities like martial arts, gymnastics, and dance...
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Hampton's Emergency Management Office Hosts Community Preparedness Day Ahead of Hurricane Season
April 18, 2024 - Hampton's Emergency Management Office is gearing up for hurricane season by hosting a Community Preparedness Day event. In preparation for the upcoming season, the office is offering valuable information and resources to the community.The event will cover various important topics such as building an emergency kit, creating an emergency plan, staying informed during disasters, food and water safety, first aid, safeguarding critical documents, emergency preparedness tips for individuals with special needs, pet care in disasters, power outage safety, and...
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Hopeful Hampton highlights events for Youth Violence Prevention Week
Hampton will mark Youth Violence Prevention Week with a series of events aimed at educating, remembering victims, sharing resources, stimulating discussion, and promoting unity within the community. Scheduled to take place from April 21 to April 26, the events are designed to address gun violence and bring the community together through various activities.The week will kick off with "The Reunion of Hope" at Gosnold’s Hope Park on April 21, featuring athletic games and activities to instill hope in the youth. This will be followed by a community 7-on-7 football competition...
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Reduction in real estate tax rate proposed, along with raises
City Manager Mary Bunting is proposing a budget that includes a 1 cent decrease in the real estate tax per $100 of assessed value for next year. If passed, the rate will have dropped 9 cents from fiscal year 22 to fiscal year 25.In presenting the budget proposal, Bunting said: "I am pleased to recommend a budget that ... (provides) a real estate tax rate reduction for the third year in a row. In particular, this budget fulfills our commitment to moving our community forward in a financially responsible way."Bunting shared highlights of the Manager’s Proposed Budget...
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Leonard Sledge Returns to Hampton as Economic Development Director
Leonard Sledge has been appointed as Hampton’s director of economic development, marking a return to a role he previously held from 2013 to 2018. City Manager Mary Bunting expressed excitement about Sledge's return, stating, “We are thrilled that Leonard has agreed to return and take our city to the next level of economic growth.”Sledge's professional journey has taken him to various locations, including a stint as the executive director of the Henry County Development Authority in Atlanta and as Richmond’s director of economic development. Over the course of his career,...
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Mayor to Hold Town Hall Meeting on April 18
Mayor Donnie Tuck will engage with residents at an upcoming town hall meeting scheduled for Thursday, April 18, at the Fort Monroe Community Center. The event, set to commence at 7 p.m., aims to provide a platform for community members to voice their concerns and address pertinent issues affecting Hampton.The town hall meeting will offer residents the opportunity to actively participate by posing questions or initiating discussions on various current events and matters relevant to the city. Mayor Tuck's presence underscores the importance of citizen engagement in shaping...
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Highlights of proposed operating budget and 5-year capital plan on Council agenda
City Manager Mary Bunting is set to present an overview of her proposed budget for the next fiscal year during City Council's afternoon work session on Wednesday, April 10. In addition to the budget, there will be a presentation of the proposed 5-year Capital Improvement Plan, outlining major investments the city is planning.Ahead of the budget discussion, there will be an update on the City Council strategic priority on family resilience and economic empowerment. According to the announcement, the aim is to assist families and individuals in poverty to move towards...
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Hampton looks to photo technology to enforce school zone speed limits
Hampton City Council is considering the implementation of safety cameras in school zones to enforce speed limits, as discussed in a recent presentation to the council. Concerns regarding pedestrian and child safety around schools have prompted this potential technological solution.Public Works Director Jason Mitchell suggested testing speed limit cameras in up to 12 locations to address the issue of speeding in school zones. Mitchell highlighted the importance of utilizing advanced technology to promote safety and deter dangerous driving behaviors. He emphasized the...
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Nonprofits Encouraged to Apply for Grants from Committee for People with Disabilities
March 26, 2024 — Nonprofit organizations catering to individuals with disabilities have the opportunity to apply for grants ranging from $100 to $1,500, as announced by the Hampton Mayor's Committee for People with Disabilities.The grants provided by the committee aim to support approved nonprofit groups with funding assistance, with organizations being eligible to receive one grant per fiscal year. The committee reviews grant applications twice annually, with deadlines set for March 31 for the summer cycle and September 30 for the winter cycle.In describing the...
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Pinwheel Ceremony at City Hall Aims to Raise Awareness of Child Abuse
On April 2, City Hall will be the site of a meaningful event aimed at shedding light on the crucial issue of child abuse prevention. The annual pinwheel ceremony, organized by the city's Healthy Families initiative, is set to take place at noon in Honor Park, located just outside City Hall at 22 Lincoln St.The ceremony, a joint effort by Healthy Families and the Human Services Department, will feature the planting of blue-and-white pinwheels, symbolizing the essence of a happy and carefree childhood. This event, scheduled during National Child Abuse Prevention Month, is...
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Hours for Business License Department reduced
Hampton, Mar 21, 2024 - The Business License - Excise Department in Hampton has announced reduced lobby hours from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday to Friday, until further notice. This adjustment comes as a response to a staff shortage affecting the department."A business license is required in Hampton before conducting any business in the city. Licenses are provided by the commissioner of the revenue's office," emphasized the department.To accommodate the changes, customers are encouraged to utilize online services for submitting payments and business license applications....