Newton City Commission Summary
Week of July 15, 2026
City commission sets maximum mill levy for 2027 budget
Inaugural Rockets & Rails festival draws 10,000 attendees
Funding proposed for 2027 Rockets & Rails celebration
Joint planning yields success for historic softball tournament
Historic South Main home wins America250 decorating contest
City evaluating traffic data for potential 20 mph residential zones
City commission sets maximum mill levy for 2027 budget
NEWTON, Kan. — The Newton City Commission voted unanimously Tuesday to notify Harvey County Clerk Rick Piepho of its intent to exceed the revenue-neutral rate for the 2027 budget. Because of rising property valuations, the revenue-neutral rate — which would generate the exact same property tax revenue as last year — was calculated at 69.408 mills. By approving the intent to exceed, the city preserves the right to maintain its current mill levy of 72.353 mills, preventing an automatic tax reduction of 2.945 mills. The final tax rate could still be lowered as the budget is finalized later this year.
Inaugural Rockets & Rails festival draws 10,000 attendees
NEWTON, Kan. — City staff reported a massive turnout for the first-ever Rockets & Rails event on July 3 at Athletic Park, with cellphone tracking data estimating 10,000 people attended the festivities. The celebration, which featured local Harvey County food vendors who completely sold out of inventory, concluded without any emergency incidents or heat-related injuries despite the high temperatures. City staff and the Newton Recreation Commission received widespread praise for their coordination, with reports noting an overwhelmingly positive response from the community.
Funding proposed for 2027 Rockets & Rails celebration
NEWTON, Kan. — Following the success of the inaugural July 3 celebration, funding for a 2027 Rockets & Rails festival is included in the proposed city budget. The bulk of this year's fireworks show was funded by Newton Convention and Visitors Bureau money, while private sponsorships covered the majority of the remaining event costs. Strong support was expressed for continuing the event annually, emphasizing its positive impact on community morale and its ability to provide a safe, family-friendly environment.
Joint planning yields success for historic softball tournament
NEWTON, Kan. — Careful coordination between city staff and the Mexican American Men's Fastpitch Tournament board resulted in a highly successful weekend for both the historic tournament and the inaugural Rockets & Rails festival. City staff reported that attendees flowed seamlessly between the two adjacent July 3 events, avoiding any logistical conflicts or negative impacts on the annual games. The tournament board reported a massive success, highlighting the postgame fireworks show as a welcome addition to the community tradition.
Historic South Main home wins America250 decorating contest
NEWTON, Kan. — Two local residents, who live in a historic South Main home, won the city's America250 yard decorating contest. The Rockets & Rails committee judged entries based on creativity, visual impact and community spirit, awarding extra points for Newton-themed elements. The residents decorated their historic 1908 property with classic Americana swags, American flags and an inflatable tube figure, earning praise for fostering a welcoming environment and strong community spirit.
City evaluating traffic data for potential 20 mph residential zones
NEWTON, Kan. — In response to safety complaints regarding speeding vehicles on residential streets, city civil engineers are reviewing traffic data collected in June to determine if speed limits should be lowered. A resident of Southeast Fifth Street addressed the city commission, requesting 20 mph speed limits and "children at play" signs on unposted neighborhood streets that lack sidewalks. City administrators confirmed the police department utilized speed trailers to gather data and noted that staff is currently consulting with neighboring North Newton to study the engineering feasibility of reducing residential speed zones.
Click here for local obituaries
Click here for local jail logs
Found a mistake? Have a news tip or feedback to share? Contact our newsroom using the button below:
