The Newton City Council on Monday night approved a 2026-2027 operating budget with no levy increase. The key elements of the spending plan include leaving the levy rate at $17.10 per one-thousand dollars of assessed valuation for another year, and keeping the ending undesignated fund balance in the General Fund at 25% of budgeted expenditures. Newton Mayor Randy Ervin added current staffing levels are maintained, and there are 3% cost-of-living increases for both Department Directors and the Non-Union Compensation Plan. The only comment before the budget vote came from At-Large Council Member Joel Mills.
“This is really the culmination of months, dare I say years’ worth of planning to get us to this point. Diligent work on behalf of all the staff, getting the numbers right and accurate, and moving things around where we needed to move them around.”
The Newton City Council on Monday night was also provided updates on current and future public works projects by Public Works Director Joe Grife.
