Title
Public Hearing to Receive Citizens' Comments Regarding the City Manager's Recommended Budget for Fiscal Year 2027
Purpose
PURPOSE/BACKGROUND:
To receive public comment on the City Manager's Recommended Budget for Fiscal Year 2027 (Manager's Recommended Budget), which was first presented during City Council's Work Session on April 8, 2026, and made available for public review April 15, 2026.
Discussion:
Hampton City Charter Section 6.10 requires that a brief synopsis of the tentative operating and capital budgets be published in a newspaper having a general circulation in the city, and notice given of one or more public hearings, at least ten (10) days prior to the date set for hearing, at which time a citizen or property owner of the city shall have the right to attend and state his views thereon. Such hearing may be adjourned from time to time until completed.
A brief synopsis of the City Manager's Recommended Budget (operating and capital) was published in the Daily Press on April 12, 2026. Public hearings to give the City Council the opportunity to receive citizens' comments regarding the Manager's Recommended Budget will be held during City Council's legislative session on April 22, 2026 and at a special meeting of City Council on May 6, 2026. Public hearing notices were/will be duly advertised in the Daily Press on April 12, 2026 and April 26, 2026.
Additional work sessions may be held by City Council on May 6, 2026 and May 13, 2026 to consider comments received from citizens and additional information requested of staff. All budget ordinances will be introduced on May 6, 2026. Approval of all budget and appropriation ordinances will be on May 13, 2026.
Impact:
General Fund (City and Schools): $708,640,649
Capital Budget (Projects) Fund: $129,888,306
Enterprise Funds:
Hampton Coliseum/Arts Commission/Hampton VA Aquaplex Fund: $27,762,375
Hampton Roads Convention Center Fund: $13,898,764
The Hamptons Golf Course Fund: $1,321,250
Woodlands Golf Course Fund: $1,207,467
Internal Service Funds:
Fleet Services Fund: $10,582,753
Fleet Services - Equipment Replacement Fund: $8,366,793
Information Technology Fund: $4,837,742
Risk Management Fund (City and Schools): $11,908,135
Public Works Funds:
Solid Waste Management Fund: $20,741,600
Steam Plant Fund: $7,296,024
Stormwater Management Fund: $18,324,984
Wastewater Management Fund: $35,115,768
Special Revenue Funds:
Community Development Block Grant and HOME Fund: $1,479,837
Economic Development Fund: $571,412
Grant Fund: $38,884,687
The Public Rights-of-Way Fee is being increased. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), pursuant to Code of Virginia 56-468.1, is responsible for annually determining the monthly public rights-of-way fee per access line. VDOT has determined the rate shall be $2.68 per access line, per month for the period of July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. The rate currently in effect for July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026 is $2.19 per access line, per month.
The following tax and fee changes are also proposed for which comment(s) may be heard during the public hearings as follows that, if approved, will take effect July 1, 2026:
• Increasing the Sewer User Fee from $2.45 per 100 cu. ft. of water consumption to $2.52 per 100 cu. ft. of water consumption and the Sewer Surcharge Fee from $4.79 per 100 cu. ft. of water consumption to $4.93 per 100 cu. ft. of water consumption.
• Increasing the Solid Waste Fee (recyclers) from $8.78 per week to $9.04 per week and (non-recyclers) from $14.53 per week to $14.79 per week.
• Increasing the Stormwater Fee for all User Classes Subject to the Fee from$12.83 per ERU per month to $13.83 per ERU per month.
• Increasing the Real Estate Tax Rate on Blighted Properties from $1.14 per $100 of assessed value to $1.20 per $100 of assessed value.
A complete list of all taxes and fees applicable to FY27 can be viewed online at www.hampton.gov/budget.
Recommendation:
Rec
No action. Public hearing only.