Hampton property tax increase proposed

HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY) - To avoid millions of dollars in cuts affecting local schools and the city, Hampton officials are proposing a 24-cent property tax increase.

According to a news release , the city is facing a $7.2 million budget gap which could be closed by eliminating libraries, museums, school crossing guards and community programs.

Hampton City Public Schools face a $8.9 million budget gap which could be closed by increased class sizes, reducing music and art teachers, eliminating cafeteria monitors and reducing high school classes

Document: Proposed city and school cuts

The news release stated a Hampton homeowner in a $150,000 home would pay an increase of $23.60 per month in property taxes under the city's proposal.

The city will be holding a series of public meetings to address the budget shortfalls:

• Feb. 26, 6:30 p.m. through 8:30 p.m. at Kecoughtan High School
• March 2, 2 a.m. through 11 a.m. at Bethel High School
• March 7, 6:30 p.m. though 8:30 p.m. at Hampton High School
• March 9, 9 a.m. through 11 a.m. at Ruppert Sargeant Building, first conference room