City Council Regular Meeting 23 June 2026

The City Council of Hopewell, Virginia, held a regular meeting on June 23, 2026, which included several procurement and budget-related discussions. The council approved a supplemental appropriation of $18.63 million to the school system budget, including $15.2 million allocated for capital projects at Carter Woodson and Hopewell High School. Additionally, the council approved a 36-month lease amendment with Central Virginia Ice Company for an ice vending machine at the Hopewell City Marina, with a 10% increase in annual rent to $6,300. The council also approved a conditional use permit for a used automobile dealership at 3805 Oakhaven Boulevard. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to an update on the Virginia American Water rate case, where the city intervened to negotiate a settlement that limited rate increases despite $150 million in capital improvements by the utility. The city spent $16,000 in legal fees for this intervention, which is the first time Hopewell has participated in such a rate case. The council discussed ongoing efforts to seek legislative changes to better regulate water utility rate increases in the future. No new contracts or RFPs were announced, but the meeting included important budget approvals and vendor lease renewals affecting city operations.