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City Budget Transparency

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1. What is OpenGov?

OpenGov is a financial transparency website which displays government finances over a multi-year period. The default view displays usually displays expenses broken down by department.

2. How do I select the data I want to see?

To focus on specific data — like a fund, department, expense type, or any combination — use the menu on the left side panel. The “By” drop-down allows you to specify which breakdown you want the graphs and table rows to represent on the graph. You can analyze the expense and revenues data by fund, department, or type.

3. Can I select more than one fund or department?

Yes. Use the Data Filter on the left side panel to make specific selections within the data. The Data Filter shows you the hierarchical relationships of Funds, Departments, and Account Types. You'll notice the title of the graph you are viewing on top along with the account type selector. You can use the filter to see the data of most interest to you.

4. How do I see the actual numbers within the graph?

Hover over any area of the graph to see the actual or budgeted amounts for that period. Or, just scroll down to see a table with detailed information.

5. Can I see the data in a different graph?

In the upper right hand corner, you will see options for the different graphs and tables. There are five graph types overall: an area graph, an area graph by percentage, a line graph, a pie graph, and a bar chart. There is also always a table view below any chart or graph. The table allows you to zoom-in on the detailed financial data selected in the chart or graph above.

6. Why are there sometimes spikes in one year?

In reviewing multiple years of data, you may see "spikes" in the individual years; this can be due to unexpected expenses, such as a hard winter, equipment failure, a capital project, or a specific event that required additional funds. You can drill-down into our OpenGov site to learn more about what exactly those expense or revenues are categorized.

7. Can I save the data I am looking at?

Yes, there are Share and Download buttons in the upper right corner. You can share any view on a social network or by email. There are also options to download the displayed data in .csv spreadsheet and .png image formats.

8. How do I learn more about government accounting?

Use the Help menu on the top right corner to navigate to the “Budget 101” primer to learn more about multi-fund accounting.

9. I have a question. How do I contact the City of Newport News?

Use the Help menu on the top right corner to navigate to the “Contact” option to send your message.

10. What revenue sources contribute to the City's General Fund?

Visit our Open Budget portal to view General Fund Revenues

11. What type of expenses does the City's General Fund pay for?

Visit our Open Budget portal to view General Fund Expenses

12. How does the City divide up the General Fund among departments?

Visit our Open Budget portal to view General Fund Departments

13. How much does the City spend on salaries and benefits (General Fund only)?

Visit our Open Budget portal to view General Fund Salaries & Benefits

14. How much does the City spend on salaries and benefits (citywide)?

Visit our Open Budget portal to view Citywide Salaries & Benefits

15. How much is the City receiving in general property tax revenue?

Visit our Open Budget portal to view General Property Tax Revenue Received

16. What is the total amount spent on debt service?

Visit our Open Budget portal to view Amount Spent on Debt Service

17. How much does our Police Department spend?

Visit our Open Budget portal to view Police Department Spending

18. What is the budget for Waterworks?

Visit our Open Budget portal to view Waterworks Budget

19. What is the Nondepartmental budget in the General Fund?

Visit our Open Budget portal to view Nondepartmental Budget in General Fund