Norfolk City Council has greenlit the proposed Fiscal Year 2025 Budget, allocating funds for various community-centric initiatives. The approved budget, totaling $1.5 billion, marks a 6 percent increase from the previous fiscal year.

Real Estate Tax Reduction

A notable component of the approved budget is a two-cent reduction in the real estate tax rate. This reduction, from $1.25 to $1.23 per $100 of assessed value, aims to alleviate financial burdens on property owners, particularly amidst rising property assessments.

Salary Increases for City Employees

City employees are set to receive a boost in their wages under the new budget. General, constitutional, and non-sworn employees will see a 3.5 percent increase in their wages. Additionally, there will be a 1 percent increase to the public safety pay scale, along with step increases for sworn Public Safety employees and 911 telecommunicators.

Citywide Projects and Recreation

The budget allocates funds towards several citywide projects and recreation initiatives. These include revitalizing the St. Paul’s area (now known as Kindred) and constructing the Blue/Greenway, reopening the Ingleside Recreation Center, and developing recreational amenities for various communities such as Lambert’s Point and Berkley. Improvements to tennis and pickleball courts at several parks and enhancing accessibility across beaches are also part of the plan.

Affordable Housing Initiatives

Addressing local housing needs is a priority within the budget. Funding has been earmarked for projects like the development of Moton Circle as part of the Broad Creek Revitalization and Implementation Plan, as well as improvements to support future housing development in the Olde Huntersville neighborhood, exemplified by the enhancement of the John T. West site.

Norfolk School Board Proposes Teacher and Staff Raises

The Norfolk School Board has endorsed a proposed budget for FY 2025, focusing on enhancing compensation for teachers and staff members.

Teacher Pay Increase

Teachers, including substitutes, are in line for salary increases under the proposed budget. Key changes include raising the starting pay for teachers from $53,000 to $57,500, representing nearly an 8.5 percent increase. Additional adjustments such as cost-of-living increases and support for teacher pay initiatives are also part of the proposal.

Future Plans for Maury High School Building

The future of Maury High School in Norfolk is under consideration, with plans for potential demolition and reconstruction.

New Maury High School Project

The city has expressed its commitment to constructing a new Maury High School, with $10 million allocated in the FY 2025 budget towards this endeavor. However, funding for a new Norview Elementary School has been delayed to prioritize the completion of the Maury High project.

Conclusion: Download The Local News App for Local Updates

As Norfolk moves forward with its budgetary plans, stay informed about local developments by downloading The Local News App. Stay updated on crucial decisions impacting your community, from budget approvals to education reforms and infrastructure projects. Stay connected with TLNA for comprehensive coverage of Norfolk and beyond.

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