The City of Newton’s 2026 Tax Levy will be the same as the current fiscal year, despite the purchase of $5,217,000 of General Obligation Corporate Purpose Bonds. Newton’s six city council members  unanimously approved the bond purchase Monday night. Mayor Evelyn George says the bond money will pay for various projects, ongoing initiatives, and equipment and vehicle purchases. 

“Which includes water improvements, tennis court resurfacing and lighting improvements, stormwater projects, police and fire equipment and buildings, and park improvements.”

Newton City Administrator Matt Muckler and Finance Officer Lisa Frasier have both stated the borrowing will not impact the City’s property tax levy now or in the future. The 2026 levy is going to be the same as the current fiscal year, and remain at $17.10 per $1,000 of valuation. 

The vote on the bond issuance came during the regular 6 p.m. Newton City Council meeting last night. Half an hour earlier, Council members held a public hearing on the proposed property tax levy for July first of this year through June 30th, 2026. Five people spoke during the hearing asking for clarification on their property tax bills, with two of them also complaining about how high their property taxes are.