Newport News Council to consider whether to nearly double its salaries

Newport News City Council on Tuesday will consider whether to nearly double its annual salaries.

The vote will take place at 7 p.m. during a meeting at the Gaines Theatre located on the campus of Christopher Newport University.

Legislation passed by the General Assembly this year increased the maximum allowable salaries for mayors and members of city councils. The legislation creates new salary caps based on population, and nearly doubles the maximum amount local elected officials can earn if cities vote to increase pay.

In Newport News, the mayor currently has a salary of $27,000 and the other council members have a salary of $25,000. Those salaries were set in 2002, and have not increased since. The proposed ordinance would increase the mayor’s salary to $51,000 and the other council members’ salaries to $47,000, which is the maximum amount allowed for cities with a population between 175,000 to 259,999.

If approved, the new salaries would go into effect July 1, 2025.

Portsmouth, Hampton councils to consider giving themselves raises after state law increases pay scale

A city spokesperson did not directly answer why the raise was being considered, saying only “The Council is continuously reviewing the state-approved legislation alongside the city-wide compensation study.”

Last month, both Hampton and Portsmouth city councils voted to increase their council’s salaries.

Tuesday’s meeting is being held at CNU because the council chambers are undergoing renovations. The next two council meetings will be held in community facilities.

The renovation project was initiated in fiscal year 2020. The project was idled due to the pandemic. Discussions began again in 2023 and the city decided to move forward with a budget of $500,000, according to city spokesperson Kim Bracy. Construction began June 12.

The renovation includes upgraded lighting and ceiling finishes, new carpet and seats, installation of acoustic panels, relocation of the portraits from the chambers to the entrance lobby, new countertops for the council seating area, and audiovisual upgrades. A small lounge area adjacent to the council chambers will get new carpet, paint, furniture and improvements to a small one-person restroom in the same area. The city anticipates being at or below budget.

Josh Janney, joshua.janney@virginiamedia.com