Newport City Council — Transcript
Thursday, December 4, 2025
Fire Department Promotion Policy
Public Safety Updates and Community Warnings
Fire Department Activity and Community Outreach
12th Street Area Improvements Project
Public Works and Parks Updates
Administrative and Staff Affairs
Upcoming Planning and Legislative Engagements
2026 Property Tax Levy (Truth and Taxation Hearing)
Votes (3)
Consent Agenda - Fire Department Assistant Chief Promotions
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [2:06] · Seconded by Unknown [6:08]
A council member questioned the promotion process for two individuals to Assistant Fire Chief positions, specifically whether it was handled internally or by city staff. Administrator Hatch clarified that, due to state statute, any hiring for chief positions requires City Council approval, and that he and Chief Marson had conducted the process and were making recommendations. It was noted that lower-rank promotions would remain internal.
12th Street Area Improvements Project - Design and Scope Approval
Dissent: None
Moved by Unknown [18:03] · Seconded by Unknown [18:05]
The Engineer presented an update on the 12th Street area improvements project, including initial survey work and the scope of work (full reconstruction, curb/gutter, utility replacement for multiple streets) and anticipated total cost of $6.5 million. A proposal from MSA for $372,100 for design and plan development was presented for approval. The council approved the proposal, noting that the project will now shift into design mode.
Truth and Taxation Public Hearing - Proposed 2026 Property Tax Levy
Dissent: One written comment was received, generally positive, but no in-person public comments or council dissent on the presented levy information.
Moved by N/A (Public Hearing) · Seconded by N/A (Public Hearing)
Administrator Joe Hatch provided an overview of the proposed 2026 property tax levy. He detailed the general fund budget allocations, changes in fiscal disparities and local government aid, the city's stable bond rating, and financial trends indicating a healthy fund balance. The presentation included the proposed levy certification, bond payments, and the estimated tax impact of a 5% increase for median-valued homes. One written public comment was received, expressing gratitude for code enforcement and infrastructure work.
Notable Quotes (4)
it is required that uh any hiring uh is done uh by the city council. So with that said uh we did a a process uh uh Chief Marson and I did a process um and we're recommending these two. Uh for me, I view this as administrative and that's what we're recommending to the council tonight.
All told, it's about 3,900 ft of street improvements. And it would be a full reconstruction of the street, adding curb and gutter, concrete driveway aprons, replacing the entirety of the water man, sanitary sewer, and adding new uh san or storm sewer collection, conveyance, and treatment.
Newport continues to provide essential services. Uh the current general fund budget is 36.9% policing and fire so our public safety 16.8% streets uh 14.4% parks and recreation 31.4% general government and about.5% contingency.
The tax impact on a median valued home in Newport will increase $72.81 a year or $6 a month.
Ordinances & Resolutions (16)
Requires City Council approval for fire department hiring.
Informational report on public safety issues.
Major infrastructure project for street and utility reconstruction.
Proposal for design and plan development of the 12th Street project.
Development on 10th Avenue subject to Planning Commission review.
Public hearing item for a redeveloped property.
Public hearing item for a site on Hastings Avenue.
Public hearing item for a business near City Hall.
Updating documents subject to a public hearing.
Report going to the legislature for approval and funding.
Annual levy certification discussed at the truth and taxation hearing.
Bond that has been paid off.
Bond with a $214,843 payment in 2026.
Bond with a $94,000 payment in 2026.
Bond with a $264,000 payment in 2026.
Bond with a $545,000 payment in 2026.