Norfolk · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Norfolk public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Employee pay raises and constitutional officer bonuses
Two ordinances added one-time 2% bonuses for state-supported constitutional officers and salary increases of at least 3.5% for locally elected constitutional officers, the General Registrar and Norfolk Community Services Board staff, plus base salary increases of 1% to 4% for city employees effective August 1.
FY 2027 Internal Audit Plan
The city auditor's office plans to examine fire-rescue medication handling, parks cash handling, temporary contracts, human services programs, and library operations over the next year, plus follow-ups on past audit fixes.
FY 2026 External Audit
The city's outside auditor walked the Council through the annual financial audit, which covers the city, schools, retirement system, and economic development authority. Final numbers and any findings will be reported in December.
Stadium Lease Negotiations (Admirals and Tides)
Council went behind closed doors to discuss lease agreements for the Norfolk Admirals at Scope and the Norfolk Tides at Harbor Park — the private discussions protect the city's bargaining position while those contracts are worked out.
Downtown service district tax renewal
Council renewed the extra downtown property tax (about 16 cents above the citywide rate) and updated district boundaries. Some residents questioned who the Downtown Norfolk Council serves and asked for more inclusive downtown programming.
Budget process transparency
Smigiel called this the least transparent budget process in his 16 years and challenged the city manager to return to in-person community budget meetings next cycle instead of relying on an online survey.