Portsmouth city leaders got their first look at a proposed $360.7 million general fund budget for fiscal year 2027. A spending plan that holds the property tax rate steady but includes higher utility costs and leaves Portsmouth Public Schools millions of dollars short of what district leaders say they need.
City Manager Steven Carter presented the budget at a special city council meeting, calling it “a plan for action” built around improving core services, investing in city employees, and advancing major capital projects, all without raising taxes.
“I’m proud to say without increasing taxes,” Carter said…