Newport council approves budget amendments, fireworks amendment and grants; accepts bid for fire pump repair

Newport City Council approved a package of fiscal and routine actions during its June 9 meeting, including second readings of budget ordinances, a temporary revision of local fireworks rules, several grant authorizations and a repair contract for the fire department.

Ordinances and resolution: Council completed second readings and approved the following ordinances by roll call vote (Aldermen Mike Hansel, Lanna Oddinger, Randy Reagan and Steve Smith recorded "Yes"): Ordinance 2026-02 (amending the FY2025-26 city operating and capital budgets), Ordinance 2026-03 (amending the FY2025-26 Newport Grammar School budget) and Ordinance 2026-04 (adopting the FY2026-27 city and school budgets and setting the tax rate). Council also approved Resolution 2026-22 to temporarily amend the city's fireworks regulations to align with a state change for the nation's 250th anniversary; staff said the change is for one year and the city's ordinance will revert next year.

Grants and procurements: Council authorized staff to pursue a grant related to Park to Float (an adults-size changing table grant with a $10,000 maximum and no local match) and approved application for the annual School Resource Officer (SRO) grant through the state (approximately $75,000 to help fund the SRO at Newport Grammar School). For procurement, staff recommended awarding the Engine 5 pump rebuild to Safe Industries for $10,580.97 and requested a $3,000 contingency, bringing the recommended total to $13,580.97; council approved that award.

Appointments: Council approved the reappointment of Ceil Gil to the Newport Regional Planning Commission.

Why it matters: Approving the FY2026-27 budget and related ordinances sets the city's spending framework for the next fiscal year; the SRO grant and procurement decisions fund public-safety operations. The temporary fireworks amendment matches a state action tied to the national semiquincentennial and is limited to this year, per staff.

Votes at a glance:
- Ordinance 2026-02 (FY2025-26 budget amendment) — outcome: approved — roll call: Hansel (yes), Oddinger (yes), Reagan (yes), Smith (yes).
- Ordinance 2026-03 (Newport Grammar School FY2025-26 amendment) — outcome: approved — roll call: Hansel (yes), Oddinger (yes), Reagan (yes), Smith (yes).
- Ordinance 2026-04 (Adopt FY2026-27 budget and tax rate) — outcome: approved — roll call: Hansel (yes), Oddinger (yes), Reagan (yes), Smith (yes).
- Resolution 2026-22 (Temporary fireworks rule amendment) — outcome: approved (unanimous recorded vote).
- RTP/park-to-float changing-table grant (max $10,000, no match) — outcome: authorization approved.
- SRO grant application (approx. $75,000) — outcome: authorization approved.
- Engine 5 pump repair — outcome: award to Safe Industries approved; recommended total $13,580.97 (includes $3,000 contingency).
- Reappointment: Ceil Gil to Newport Regional Planning Commission — outcome: approved.

Next steps: Staff will implement approved procurements, submit requested grant paperwork and proceed with budget enactment steps required by city procedures.