North Tidewater News

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 recognizing more than 50 dual enrollment students at Hampton City Schools who will be receiving their associate’s degree from Virginia Peninsula Community College even before they get their high school diplomas.

There will also be public hearings on several zoning proposals that would allow taller buildings to be built in the Coliseum Central area to accommodate more residents and also reduce parking requirements. There are also proposed changes to how the city regulates private schools and recreation facilities.

The public is invited to attend City Council meetings, which will be televised on the city’s channels, Verizon 47 and Fios 22, and livestreamed at hampton.gov/livetv. The meetings are set to take place at City Hall on Lincoln St.

Residents are encouraged to engage with the budget proposals and attend the City Council meetings to stay informed about the decisions that will shape the city's financial future.