Newton City Commission to consider exceeding revenue-neutral rate for 2027 budget
Meeting agenda also includes recap of July 3 Rockets & Rails event and search-and-rescue agreement
NEWTON, Kan. — The Newton City Commission will take the first step toward a potential property tax increase Tuesday, July 14, by considering whether to notify the Harvey County clerk of its intent to exceed the revenue-neutral rate for the 2027 budget.
If approved, the notification signals the city expects to collect more total property tax dollars than the previous year, triggering a mandatory public hearing before the budget can be finalized. This would mark the second consecutive year the city has taken this step: for the 2026 budget, commissioners similarly voted to exceed the revenue-neutral rate, maintaining a 72.223 mill levy that allowed the city to capture roughly $610,000 in additional revenue.
The 7 p.m. meeting in the Commission Chambers will also cover a paving agreement with Mid Continent Industries and a memorandum of understanding between the Office of the State Fire Marshal and Newton Fire/EMS regarding the Kansas Search & Rescue Response System.
Commissioners are also set to review a recap of the city's July 3 Rockets & Rails event, which drew crowds to Athletic Park to celebrate America's 250th birthday with live music and a $25,000 fireworks display. As part of the festivities, officials will present the America250 Yard Decorating Contest award to Ronda and Don Gilger for their display at 108 S. Main St.
The remainder of the agenda includes a citizen's forum and the approval of previous meeting minutes as the city gears up for additional budget work sessions later in July.
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