Newport News City Council holds line on $1.18 real estate tax rate
School budget reaches $140M; $1 million residential facade improvement grant and a $300,000 income-based tax relief program
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Newport News Daily update for Friday, May 15, 2026
The Newport News City Council held a work session on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. in the City Council Conference Room at City Hall, 2400 Washington Ave. The session focused on the city’s effective real estate tax rate ahead of a scheduled public hearing, with Budget Director Lisa Cipriano presenting details on property assessment increases, unfunded state mandates, and new homeowner relief programs funded through the maintained meals tax rate.
The FY 2027 proposed budget keeps the real estate tax rate unchanged at $1.18 per $100 of assessed value. Because citywide property assessments rose 3.56 percent, collecting the same revenue as the prior year would require a lower rate of $1.139. By maintaining $1.18, the city will generate additional revenue from higher assessments. For the median single-family home, now assessed at $287,100, the unchanged rate translates to approximately $46 more in taxes for the year.
Budget Director Cipriano noted that new programs funded through the maintained meals tax rate include a $1 million residential facade improvement grant, a $500,000 neighborhood assistance grant, and a $300,000 income-based tax relief program called ResidentFirst. Councilwoman Tina Vick requested a proactive communications campaign to ensure residents know how to access these programs. Cipriano confirmed a targeted campaign is in development and that 311 operators have been briefed.
The sections below cover each agenda item from the work session, with links that jump directly to that moment in the full meeting recording on YouTube.
Effective tax rate presentation: assessments up 3.56 percent
Budget Director Lisa Cipriano presented the state-mandated effective tax rate disclosure, required whenever the city’s levy increases more than 1 percent. For FY 2027, the overall assessment increase is 3.56 percent. The city is proposing to maintain the current rate of $1.18 rather than reduce it to the revenue-neutral rate of $1.139, generating additional revenue without a formal rate increase.
See the effective tax rate presentation begin at 8:28:
Disabled veterans exemption projected to reach $10.4 million in FY 2027
Cipriano detailed the growing cost of the state-mandated disabled veterans real estate tax exemption, which started at $345,000 with 168 participants in FY 2011 and is projected to reach $10.4 million in FY 2027. Mayor Jones noted that without this unfunded mandate, the city could lower the property tax rate by 4 cents, and called on the state to provide funding.
Hear Mayor Jones raise concerns about the unfunded veterans exemption mandate at 15:42:
New homeowner relief programs funded through maintained meals tax rate
The budget includes three new programs made possible by holding the meals tax rate steady: a $1 million residential facade improvement grant, a $500,000 neighborhood assistance grant, and a $300,000 ResidentFirst income-based tax relief pilot. Councilwoman Vick requested an intentional outreach campaign, and Cipriano confirmed 311 operators have been briefed and a broader campaign is in development.
Watch the discussion of new homeowner relief programs at 17:44:
City’s school contribution to reach record $140 million in FY 2027
Cipriano noted that the city’s total contribution to Newport News Public Schools will approach $140 million in FY 2027, the highest in the history of the budget chart presented. This includes a $3 million increase in operational funding and $10.4 million in school debt service. Mayor Jones also noted the city is still awaiting a state budget to confirm school bonuses and hourly wage funding.
See the schools funding overview at 16:16:
Council approves two contingency fund appropriations 7-0
The council voted 7-0 to approve two appropriations from the City Council Contingency Fund: a $5,000 sponsorship for the Menchville High School Band, brought by Councilman Robert Coleman, and a $1,000 sponsorship for the Father’s Day Breakfast, brought by Councilman Cleon Long. All members voted in favor. No dissenting or abstaining votes were recorded.
Watch the vote on both appropriations at 25:12:
Bon Secours breaks ground on $200 million North District hospital expansion
Mayor Jones reported that a groundbreaking ceremony was held that morning for a $200 million Bon Secours investment in the North District, which will double the facility’s bed count to 30 and expand both the maternity unit and emergency room. He noted the expansion addresses access challenges in a city he described as long and narrow, with limited hospital options in the northern area.
Hear Mayor Jones report on the Bon Secours groundbreaking at 26:22:
Airport economic impact update and $3 million mobility innovation grant
Mayor Jones noted the city is in year two of a three-year support commitment for Newport News-Williamsburg International Airport and previewed an upcoming full council briefing. He highlighted a recently awarded $3 million grant for the airport’s Mobility Innovation Center, crediting the Economic Development Authority team, and said the center is intended to position the region as a leader in advanced air mobility.
Hear Mayor Jones discuss the airport update and mobility grant at 27:06:
Disparity study presentation scheduled for June work session
During the open comment period, a council member raised the disparity study, noting that small businesses had asked about its status at recent meetings. Staff confirmed the presentation is scheduled for the June work session. Vice Mayor Curtis Bethany noted the study will also go through committee review before reaching the full council.
Hear the disparity study update at 23:53:
Newport News City Council Approves Comprehensive Budget and Service Fee Amendments
The City of Newport News announced passage of a comprehensive fiscal year 2026-2027 budget and associated ordinances addressing municipal operations and service delivery. The measures include adjustments to various service fees and licensing requirements while establishing new city departments focused on innovation and housing services. Additionally, the council approved funding allocations for community-focused programs addressing opioid abuse treatment and recovery support.
The approved measures encompass multiple operational updates including amendments to water supply rates, fire protection service fees, sewer connection charges, and stormwater management fees. The ordinances also establish boat licensing requirements, create employee classification and pay structures, and authorize the city manager to manage departmental operations more efficiently. Concurrent resolutions secured funding from state transportation grants for traffic signal upgrades and area improvements, while opioid settlement funds were allocated toward jail-based medication-assisted treatment, peer recovery services, and mobile medical units serving the community. https://www.nnva.gov/1034
Newport News Commissioner of Revenue Outlines Key Tax Filing Deadlines and Services
The Newport News Commissioner of the Revenue’s office has outlined important deadlines for various tax filings and business registrations throughout the year. Residents and business owners should note these key dates to ensure compliance with local requirements. The office provides comprehensive services including business licensing, property tax administration, and DMV-related transactions.
Several significant filing dates require attention from Newport News taxpayers. Personal property filings are due by February 15, while business professional and occupational license taxes and tangible property filings must be submitted by March 1. State income tax returns are due May 1, with vehicle license fees and business tangible property taxes due by June 5. Real estate taxes and personal property taxes also have June 5 deadlines, with additional personal property tax deadlines on December 5.
The Commissioner of Revenue’s office operates two main locations with extended hours from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM Monday through Friday. Services include DMV Select operations, title transactions, and specialized assistance for military members, seniors, and disabled individuals seeking tax relief programs. Residents can use 24-hour dropboxes at multiple locations for convenient document submission. https://www.nnva.gov/330
Newport News Circuit Court Outlines Local Rules and Administrative Services
Newport News Circuit Court announces the availability of comprehensive administrative services and regulatory information for court users and the general public. The court provides access to local rules, e-filing and e-recording systems, and essential documents including marriage license applications and frequently asked questions.
The court maintains detailed local rules covering procedures and regulations for various case types, including domestic relations matters handled through the Seventh Circuit. Additional resources include information on prohibited items in courthouse facilities, remote access agreements for land records, court holiday schedules, and portable electronic device policies designed to ensure safe and orderly operations. https://www.nnva.gov/1939
Newport News announces multiple civic accomplishments and service updates
City of Newport News reports on several recent civic accomplishments reflecting organizational growth and community investment. The municipality has secured a $3 million GO Virginia grant to advance its Mobility Innovation Center and aviation initiatives, while also earning national recognition through budget and transparency awards that underscore municipal excellence and public accountability.
The city continues advancing infrastructure projects including pier replacements at Hilton and Monitor-Merrimac Overlook Park, while planning new civic amenities such as a library to replace the Sherwood Shopping Center. Additional initiatives include the launch of chatbot services to improve public information access, deployment of Good Neighbor Patrol vehicles, and the introduction of a Bloomberg Harvard City Hall Fellow position to support municipal operations. https://www.nnva.gov/1
Two CNU Seniors Overcome Obstacles to Reach Graduation Stage
Christopher Newport University reports on two graduating seniors whose journeys to commencement reflect the resilience required of today’s college students. Annika Huffman and Leonard Forts each navigated unexpected obstacles and life-altering decisions during their four years at CNU, yet maintained the determination necessary to reach their graduation milestone. Their experiences highlight how individual paths to success often diverge from initial plans.
Both students exemplify the perseverance that characterizes the CNU Captain spirit, demonstrating that educational achievement requires more than academic performance alone. Their stories underscore how institutional support and personal resolve work together to help students overcome hurdles that might otherwise derail their goals. As they prepare to walk across the commencement stage, Huffman and Forts represent the broader narrative of grit and determination that defines the graduating class at Christopher Newport University. https://cnu.edu/news/2026/05/13-cnu-s26-huffman-forts/
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