Typically, we’re not the biggest fans of tax increases, particularly tax increases that target the small business owners downtown. But we always will remain strong advocates for helping local business and revitalizing the downtown business district.

For that reason, we would like to encourage more downtown business owners to support the proposed Self-Supported Municipal Improvement District. The district would impact a two-block area surrounding the Jasper County Courthouse square, as well as First Avenue from West Fourth Street to East Fourth Street.

News Printing Company and the offices of the Newton Daily News are in the proposed district.