Hampton Budget Approved

May 11, 2006

The Hampton City Council has passed a $404.9 million budget for Fiscal Year 2006-07 that lowers the real estate tax rate 6 cents, to $1.14 for every $100 in assessed value.

The budget represents an 8 percent increase over the previous year, driven by a variety of cost factors including employee salaries and benefits, fuel costs, unfunded state and federal mandates, building maintenance costs, and funding for E-911 since landline telephone tax revenues which support E-911 are decreasing as more people use cell phones.

Other increases include funding for a new Fire Volunteer Coordinator, and the establishment of a new Minority Programs unit to assist and encourage minority firms to conduct business with the city. The budget also provides new personnel to the City Assessor's Office which a recent audit indicated to be significantly undermanned. The budget also includes competitive salary increases for permanent full-time sworn public safety positions of an additional 2 percent above their merit increase, up to a maximum of $1,000.

In adopting the budget, the Hampton City Council also voted to maintain several quality of life programs such as special events, Bay Days support, Youth Commission grants, Bluebird Gap Farm support, and the tennis center. To assure continued bus service, the city has agreed to provide additional funding to Hampton Roads Transit, pending further discussion about HRT operations.

The City of Hampton FY06-07 Budget will soon be available in Hampton Public Libraries. Telecasts of the City of Hampton budget public hearings which occurred on April 26, May 3, and May 10 can be viewed at www.hampton.gov/council.