The third reading of a proposed increase in Newton’s Stormwater Utility rate by one-dollar per equivalent residential unit is on the agenda for tonight’s Newton City Council meeting. 

A final vote on the increase could come after the third reading. Prior readings of the proposal were unanimously approved by the Newton City Council. If ultimately adopted, the increased rate is expected to create an additional $140,000 in annual city revenue for additional improvement projects.  The Newton City Council will also be asked to approve the purchase of a pre-cast flushable toilet restroom for Harmony Park  and a Fishing Pier Dock System for Cardinal Pond this evening. Harmony Park is downtown and has Newton’s new Splash Pad, while Cardinal Pond is in the Arbor Estates subdivision in northeast Newton. The City has received a REAP Grant from the Iowa DNR and a Community Betterment Grant from Prairie Meadows for improvements to Cardinal Pond, including a fishing pier/dock.

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