HAMPTON, Va. — The Hampton City Council has unanimously approved a more than $600 million budget for the city's Fiscal Year 2025, paving the way for a lower real estate tax and raises for city employees.
Taking effect on July 1, the budget includes a 3% general wage increase for employees, along with additional increases for long-time staff and adjustments to some wage ranges.
It also includes a real estate tax drop of 1 cent per $100 of assessed value, which city officials say was in response to rising property values.
“It’s a good feeling to be able to lower the tax rate,” City Manager Mary Bunting said after the vote, according to a news release. “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 budget did increase the solid waste fee by $1.53 a week and the sewer user fee by more than 40 cents per 100 cubic feet of water consumption.
The FY25 budget of $643,271,950 is a 5.2% increase from last year. The total includes Hampton City Schools' budget which accounts for $289,035,244.
According to the city, Bunting crafted the budget using input and feedback from people through the city's "I Value" program, something Hampton Mayor Donnie Tuck lauded.
"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.”
City officials said the budget will be posted online before the new fiscal year begins and will be available for viewing at all the Hampton Public Library's branches.