March 18, 2024

City Council approves 2015-16 operating budget

The 2015-2016 operating budget for the city of Newton was passed by the city council at the Monday meeting. After closing a public hearing that brought no comments, a unanimous council approved the budget with Council Member Noreen Otto absent.

The budget sets the city tax levy at $16.20 per $1,000. It 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. Current staffing levels are retained and the budget adds hours to two current part-time positions as well as adds a consolidated code enforcement position to more efficiently utilize that function’s existing expenditures.

The council agreed to purchase an asphalt patching machine with Jasper County for a total of $55,201.09. The EcoPatcher will be used to repair streets and roads throughout the city and county in work that is performed periodically throughout the construction season. The city and county will split the cost of the machine and whoever has the machine will perform any maintenance needed. The EcoPatcher will be purchased from Star Equipment and was previously approved by the Jasper County Board of Supervisors at its Tuesday meeting.

A resolution accepting the completion of the demolition project for structures on 608 S. Second Ave. W., 403 N. Fourth Ave. E. and 200 E. Eighth St. N. was approved by the council. The properties were purchased through the D&D Project and the work to demolish them has been completed at the cost of $42,750. Council approved paying the contractor for the demolition and accepted the completed project.

Mayor Mike Hansen announced the resignation of Park Board member Joe Urias at the Monday meeting. Urias moved outside the city limits and is not longer eligible to be on the board.

“It’s unfortunate, because Joe did an admiral job and was a great participant. He had a great contribution and great dedication to our Park Board and had great ideas about the expansion of the frisbee golf park,” Hansen said. “Thanks to Joe for his service.”

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