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

Approved Unanimously

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

Approved Unanimously

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

Public hearing closed without further action, budget approval deferred to December 18th meeting.

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.

Administrator Joe Hatch [2:06]
Consent Agenda - Fire Department Assistant Chief Promotions

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.

Engineer [16:03]
12th Street Area Improvements Project - Design and Scope Approval

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.

Administrator Joe Hatch [34:00]
Truth and Taxation Public Hearing - Proposed 2026 Property Tax Levy

The tax impact on a median valued home in Newport will increase $72.81 a year or $6 a month.

Administrator Joe Hatch [38:43]
Truth and Taxation Public Hearing - Proposed 2026 Property Tax Levy

Ordinances & Resolutions (16)

State StatuteOther

Requires City Council approval for fire department hiring.

Washington County Sheriff's ReportOther

Informational report on public safety issues.

12th Street area improvements projectPlan

Major infrastructure project for street and utility reconstruction.

MSA scope and fee proposalOther

Proposal for design and plan development of the 12th Street project.

Red Rock ManorPlan

Development on 10th Avenue subject to Planning Commission review.

Variance request on 1750 Hastings AvenuePermit

Public hearing item for a redeveloped property.

Drive-through conditional use permitPermit

Public hearing item for a site on Hastings Avenue.

Daily Electric concept plan reviewPlan

Public hearing item for a business near City Hall.

Newport zoning and future land use mapsPlan

Updating documents subject to a public hearing.

Pigs Eye Dump Cleanup Group final reportOther

Report going to the legislature for approval and funding.

2026 property tax levyOther

Annual levy certification discussed at the truth and taxation hearing.

2013 general obligation bondOther

Bond that has been paid off.

2014 general obligation bondOther

Bond with a $214,843 payment in 2026.

2016 general obligation bondOther

Bond with a $94,000 payment in 2026.

2018 general obligation bondOther

Bond with a $264,000 payment in 2026.

2021 general obligation bondOther

Bond with a $545,000 payment in 2026.

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Newport City Council - Newport Recorder