A public hearing on the city of Newton’s proposed 2026-2027 operating budget, and a vote on that spending plan highlight tonight’s Newton City Council meeting. From November through mid-February, the Newton City Council held budget work sessions after their regular meetings to discuss and create the 2026-27 operating budget. The key elements of the spending plan they’re proposing include a levy rate of $17.10 per one-thousand dollars of assessed valuation; the ending undesignated fund balance in the General Fund is estimated to be at 25% of budgeted expenditures, and current staffing levels are maintained with cost-of-living and step increases for Union and Pay Plan positions. The deadline for cities to approve and certify a 2026-2027 budget is April 30th.
Public Works Director Joe Grife is also scheduled to provide updates on current public works projects at the end of tonight’s Newton City Council meeting, which begins at 6 p.m. inside City Hall.
