Suffolk City Council Work Session (4-2-25)

The City of Suffolk, Virginia City Council held a work session on April 2, 2025, to review the city manager's proposed fiscal year 2025-2026 operating and capital budget totaling approximately $950 million, an 8% increase over the previous year. Key procurement-related highlights included a proposed 3% pay increase for city employees, the addition of 46 new full-time positions primarily in public safety, and significant capital investments such as $17.7 million for infrastructure projects and $35 million in general obligation bonds for government projects. The budget also includes utility rate adjustments averaging 3.7% and a $4.75 monthly increase in refuse collection fees to support a truck replacement program. The council discussed funding allocations for public safety, education, and community health partners, with a $5.8 million increase in local school funding and $500,000 more for nonprofit health organizations. The budget maintains the real estate tax rate at $1.70 per $100 assessed value, with no increase proposed. Additionally, the meeting covered the annual action plan for the Community Development Block Grant and Home Investment Partnership programs, with allocations of approximately $519,000 and $380,000 respectively, aimed at supporting affordable housing and low-to-moderate income households. The council planned a public hearing on April 16 and budget adoption on May 7, 2025.