Draft $62.4 million budget projects healthy cash reserves

Commission weighs exceeding revenue neutral rate for 2027 budget

Newton Public Library plans mill levy increase

Commission signals support for continued outside agency funding

City considers passing credit card fees to customers

Administration requests management analyst to ease workload

Fire/EMS requests three new personnel to meet demand

City plans new abatement team, considers second code officer

Proposed tourism coordinator aims to boost downtown events

Draft $62.4 million budget projects healthy cash reserves

NEWTON, Kan. — A preliminary look at the 2027 city budget outlines $62.4 million in total expenditures while maintaining a 17% ending cash balance in the general fund, exceeding the city's 15% minimum reserve policy. Financial consultants presenting the budget estimates noted that strategic deficit spending in certain funds is planned to intentionally spend down cash for capital improvement projects without harming the city's financial rating. The robust cash reserves give the city leverage as it plans for future infrastructure projects and staffing needs.

Commission weighs exceeding revenue neutral rate for 2027 budget

NEWTON, Kan. — The Newton City Commission directed staff to prepare the administrative paperwork to exceed the revenue neutral rate for the 2027 budget, keeping its financial options open as property tax levies are finalized. During the budget work session, the commission debated whether to capture new revenue from a 4.25% increase in assessed property valuations or to "give back" a portion to taxpayers by using the city's 17% cash reserves to cover rising municipal expenses. The commission aims to strike a balance between easing the burden on taxpayers and protecting the city against potential state-mandated property tax caps in the future. A final decision on the exact mill levy is expected after a public hearing in August.

Newton Public Library plans mill levy increase

NEWTON, Kan. — The Newton Public Library board informed the city that it intends to exceed its revenue neutral rate and increase its property tax mill levy for the upcoming budget year. The library board, which operates with its own taxing authority subject to a city-imposed cap, cited a conservative financial approach to ensure it has sufficient funding and flexibility for sustaining its newly constructed facility, which opened in April 2024. The move will require the city to incorporate the library's figures into its overall mill levy publication and public hearing process.

Commission signals support for continued outside agency funding

NEWTON, Kan. — The Newton City Commission expressed informal support for continuing financial contributions to several local nonprofit and economic development organizations in the upcoming budget cycle. Funding for the Newton Area Chamber of Commerce, Harvey County Economic Development, Health Ministries Clinic and Newton Area Senior Center will be drawn from the city's economic development sales tax fund rather than property taxes. The commission agreed that the organizations provide vital community services and economic drivers that justify the annual expenditure.

City considers passing credit card fees to customers

NEWTON, Kan. — Residents paying city utility and municipal bills with a credit card may soon see an added convenience fee, as the City Commission voiced support for passing the estimated $260,000 annual transaction costs directly onto users. City staff reported that credit card processing fees have climbed near 3% per transaction, costing the city hundreds of thousands of dollars out of the general and utility funds. The commission argued that the broader tax base should not subsidize the convenience for card users, noting that fee-free payment options like automated clearing house transfers and paper checks will remain available.

Administration requests management analyst to ease workload

NEWTON, Kan. — Citing a growing operational bottleneck, City Manager Daniela Rivas proposed adding a management analyst position to assist with high-level projects, data analysis and grant writing. Rivas noted that overseeing 12 distinct departments has severely limited her capacity to execute long-term strategic projects and pursue competitive grants without additional support. The commission plans to review the $85,000 request alongside other budget enhancements to determine if the city's current revenues and reserves can support the new role.

Fire/EMS requests three new personnel to meet demand

NEWTON, Kan. — The Newton Fire/EMS department requested three additional personnel for the 2027 budget to address increasing call volumes and to help reach minimum staffing requirements. The department currently requires 12 personnel per shift to safely respond to emergencies ranging from structure fires to medical calls and injury accidents, but frequently falls short, necessitating mandatory callbacks. To help offset the estimated $700,000 budget increase, Fire/EMS Chief Steve Roberson noted ongoing discussions with Harvey County to secure additional county-level funding for the emergency medical services the city provides to the surrounding region.

City plans new abatement team, considers second code officer

NEWTON, Kan. — In an effort to take a proactive stance against neighborhood blight, the city is revamping its nuisance abatement strategy. Staff presented a plan to launch a dedicated two-person seasonal abatement crew within the parks division to quickly mow overgrown weeds and address severe property violations, reducing the wait times that occur when relying on standard park maintenance schedules. Additionally, the commission reviewed a proposal to hire a second code enforcement officer to focus on proactive compliance checks and to assist with succession planning for the department.

Proposed tourism coordinator aims to boost downtown events

NEWTON, Kan. — Funding for a new, full-time Convention and Visitors Bureau and main street coordinator was proposed to manage growing local tourism and downtown events. Currently, the role operates as a half-time position, but city staff noted an increased need for dedicated event coordination to draw visitors for day trips and local festivals. The estimated $85,000 position would be funded entirely by the city's transient guest tax fund, which boasts a healthy reserve balance, ensuring no impact on local property taxpayers.

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