News Flash

April 27, 2023 - Hampton City Council unanimously supported a five-year, $332 million capital spending plan on Wednesday. The capital budget accounts for large projects, construction, and maintenance; it does not include ongoing expenses such as salaries.

A third of the projects fall under the Excellence in Government city priority area, which includes road projects and repaving, and maintenance and repairs to city facilities. 

Education accounts for a fourth of the planned spending, including school maintenance and technology. 

Living with Water accounts for 18% of the funds, primarily for stormwater and wastewater improvements to meet pollution reduction mandates. Some Resilient Hampton projects to reduce flooding are also in that category.

Some specific highlights of the plan include: 

• Renovations at 10 schools
• Little Back River Road improvements, including widening, sidewalks, a pedestrian/bike lane, and drainage improvements
• Raising the height of North Armistead to bring it above sea level and preventing this essential roadway from flooding out during major storm events
• Increased funds for building maintenance
• Jail security improvements
• Parks maintenance and improvements
• A new fire station in Phoebus (FY28)
• A new Bethel High Science and Math wing (FY28)

Wednesday was also the first public hearing on the budget for Fiscal Year 2024, which begins July 1. Residents still have another chance to speak at a public hearing on Wednesday, May 3, and the City Council will vote on the budget on May 10. The full Manager’s Recommended Budget can be viewed at www.hampton.gov/budget or in paper form at all branches of the Hampton Public Library.

The annual operating budget, in contrast to the capital plan, dedicates some of the largest spending to strategic areas that typically do not have major capital expense, including Public Safety and Family Resilience and Economic Empowerment.