March 29, 2024

City council to approve budget Monday

A light agenda is planned for the Newton City Council at its 6 p.m. Monday meeting. Only three action items are set to be reviewed by the council, including the 2015-2016 operating budget for the city of Newton.

The council will first hold a public hearing to get citizen input on what the council decided for the budget at previous meeting on Jan. 26 and Feb. 2. The proposed budget sets the city tax levy at $16.20/$1,000, meets the target of an undesignated fund balance of 25.5 percent of revenue and defers the decision on the purchase of most capital equipment. It also retains the current staffing levels and adds hours to two current part-time position as well as added a consolidated code enforcement position to more efficiently utilize that function’s existing expenditures. Following the public hearing, there is a resolution to adopt the budget before the council.

In an agreement with Jasper County, the city has proposed purchasing an EcoPatcher asphalt patching machine from Star Equipment for $55,201.09. Since road patching work is done periodically throughout the construction season, it is advantageous for the city and the county to the piece of equipment. The two will split the cost of the EcoPatcher as well as maintenance costs.

Last, the council has a resolution to accept the completion of the demolition project for 608 S. Second Ave. W., 403 N. Fourth Ave. E. and 200 E. Eighth St. N. Demolition of all structures included have been completed and the cost of $42,750 is being paid from money set aside for Dangerous and Dilapidated Projects in the housing initiative.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com