A Fort Dodge company has completed construction of a new Washbay at the City of Newton’s Public Works and Community Development Building. Just over a year ago, the Newton City Council awarded the construction contract to Jensen Builders Incorporated. Their low bid for the 40’x60’x19’ stand-alone building was $724,200. Additional work that was required pushed the final cost of the project to $730,863.

Newton City Administrator Matt Muckler says a combination of Road Use Tax money and 2023 bond revenue was used to pay for the new Washbay. Newton’s Public Works staff said the old pole building with metal sheeting was rotting due to constant exposure to water and road salt. Staff also noted the rotting was accelerated due to the relocation of Park Department operations to the Public Works site.