Newport commissioners eyed $29.87M budget, $7M Ann Street bond in late June meetings
Newport's Board of Commissioners packed its late June schedule with major financial items — a new fiscal year budget, a $7 million bond authorization for Ann Street homes, and equipment purchases topping $1.1 million — though minutes from those meetings have not yet been published, so final outcomes are not confirmed.
Board of Commissioners — June 23
The Board scheduled a special meeting to adopt the FY 2026-27 operating budget, listing $29.87 million in revenues and $29.66 million in expenditures. Commissioners also were set to amend the current FY 2025-26 budget, increasing General Fund revenues to $30.74 million.
Equipment purchases on the agenda included a custom Pierce Pumper fire apparatus for up to $1,114,475 and a 2026 Tesla Model Y AWD for the police department for up to $44,695.
Personnel items included the appointment of Ryan Stevens as police recruit, with promotions for Connor Bleser and Adam Moeves.
Minutes had not been published as of this report, so it is not confirmed whether each item was approved as listed.
Board of Commissioners — June 29
Commissioners scheduled a vote on authorizing up to $7 million in Industrial Revenue Bonds for the Ann Street residential development. The project would finance 11 owner-occupied single-family homes in the 1000 block of Ann Street. The bonds are described as conduit financing with no city liability, with payment-in-lieu-of-taxes (PILOT) payments set at $7 per $1,000 of assessed value.
The same meeting included a proposed order to renew the city's property, liability, and workers' compensation insurance through KLCIS, KEMI, and Hartford for a total premium of $790,584. Coverage includes property, auto, liability, workers' compensation, and theft and fraud.
Outcomes are not yet confirmed because minutes have not been published.
Historic Preservation Commission — June 24
The Historic Preservation Commission scheduled two special meetings on the same day.
The first included a certificate of appropriateness hearing on replacing sandstone steps with substitute materials at 628 Nelson Pl., requested by Braylen Chandler. A second hearing concerned painting of unpainted masonry in the Buena Vista Local Historic District at 914 Central Ave., requested by the City of Newport. Approval of minutes from the May 27, 2026 regular meeting was also listed.
The second meeting centered on a public hearing to consider designating the Southgate-Thompson House at 24 E. 3rd St. as a local landmark, along with an update from the Historic Preservation Officer and discussion of upcoming priorities.
Minutes have not been published, so commission rulings on these items are not confirmed.
Coming up
- **Historic Preservation Commission, July 15** — Public hearing on designating the Southgate House at 24 E. 3rd St. as a local landmark, plus an update on the Monmouth project.
- **Board of Adjustments, July 16** — Public hearing on variance request BA-26-03 from Sabo Design Associates for a 10-foot height increase at 402 and 410 W. 13th Street. The property would be re-divided from two lots into six new lots. The applicant says the added height is needed to capture north-facing city views and is consistent with nearby buildings. The board will also consider approving minutes from its May 14, 2026 regular meeting.
Earlier weeks
- week of 2026-06-29 — Newport Board Reviews $29.87M Budget, Police Hires; $7M Housing Bond Proposal Advanced
Generated from official meeting agendas and minutes — every underlying document is linked from the city page. Read the primary source before you rely on a detail.