A one-dollar increase in the Stormwater Utility rate and the second reading of a proposed Public Camping Ordinance highlight the agenda for tonight’s Newton City Council meeting. Public Works staff say the one-dollar increase in the Stormwater Utility rate for all property is needed to generate an additional 140-thousand dollars in revenue per year. This money would help restore the Stormwater Utility Budget, which will be depleted after several planned projects are completed in the next fiscal year.

The proposed Public Camping ordinance unanimously passed a first reading during the last Newton City Council meeting. Newton Police Chief Rob Burdess said the city has been challenged for years by homeless individuals. However, in recent years, he says the problems have really escalated from people living in cars, hotels, and dilapidated buildings and sheds, to having them setting up camps in driveways, on sidewalks, and in parks and entrances to public buildings. Under the proposed ordinance, an officer could provide directions to a shelter or offer transportation to a shelter. And any individual who refuses to accept the shelter space offered is subject to a citation, which is a simple misdemeanor with a fine up to $105.

Tonight’s Newton City Council meeting begins at 6:00 p.m. in City Hall.