North Tidewater News

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.

City Manager Mary Bunting, who crafted the budget, utilized input and feedback from residents through the city’s “I Value” program. The City Council has been lowering the tax rate in response to rising property values, and the new rate is 9 cents lower than it was three years ago.

“It’s a good feeling to be able to lower the tax rate,” Bunting said after the vote. “Plus, we gave significant salary increases to our employees. Those are two things that make me very happy — when we can balance taking care of our employees and taking care of our residents.”

The real estate tax rate reduction comes in response to rising property values in Hampton, resulting in a drop of 9 cents since Fiscal Year 2022.

Mayor Donnie Tuck expressed his satisfaction with Bunting's ability to provide a budget that achieved consensus on the City Council. He highlighted the importance of the “I Value” program in assembling a budget that reflects Hampton’s residents' needs and concerns.

“It’s so important to have that input,” Tuck said. “Before it ever gets to the point of a vote, we have the opportunity to gauge how the public feels about the proposed budget. It’s good for them to understand that we consider their feelings and opinions.”

The approved budget totals $643,271,950, marking a 5.2% increase from last year. This total includes $289,035,244 allocated for Hampton City Schools. The amount of city funds for schools is based on a formula, proposing a local contribution of $95,000,573 from the City—$40 million above what is required by state law.

The budget also contains staff compensation increases for the civilian workforce, including a 3 percent general wage increase, additional increases for experienced long-term staff, and adjustments to the minimums of some ranges that are below market value. Sworn staff in the police, fire, and EMS divisions received adjusted scales and a step plan in the FY24 budget.

The finalized budget will be posted online before the new fiscal year begins on July 1 and will be available for residents to study in book form at all branches of the Hampton Public Library.