Newton local news summary

Newton Passes 2026 Budget, Holds Tax Rate Flat

Housing Report Highlights Growth in Senior Living, Strong Demand at Fox Ridge

Emergency Declared in Fox Ridge Subdivision Due to Unknown Gas Leak

Federal Grant Windfall Significantly Reduces Local Cost for Airport Runway

Newton Adopts New Incentive Framework to Attract Hotels

City and County Partner on “Safe Streets for All” Transportation Plan

1. Newton Passes 2026 Budget, Holds Tax Rate Flat

NEWTON - The Newton City Commission unanimously adopted its $62.7 million budget for 2026 and voted to exceed the Revenue Neutral Rate, holding the city’s mill levy flat at 72.223 mills. Due to a 4.95% increase in the city’s assessed valuation, this decision allows the city to capture approximately $610,000 in additional tax revenue. The decision followed a lengthy public hearing where numerous residents voiced strong frustrations over rising property tax bills, particularly the impact on seniors with fixed incomes, and questioned why the mill levy was not lowered. City officials explained that the valuation increases were largely driven by state mandates executed by the county appraiser, not by city action. Commissioners defended the budget, emphasizing the need for revenue to maintain services and fund infrastructure for new growth, pointing to long-term strategies to expand the industrial tax base—such as the GAF project—to eventually relieve the burden on homeowners.

2. Housing Report Highlights Growth in Senior Living, Strong Demand at Fox Ridge

NEWTON - Newton’s housing stock continues to expand, driven by affordable senior housing projects and rapid development in the Fox Ridge subdivision, according to the annual housing report. Harvest Pointe Phase 1, a moderate-income senior housing project utilizing tax credits, is complete, and funding has been secured for Phase 2, adding 28 more units. Fox Ridge remains the largest active development, with units reportedly leasing immediately upon occupancy approval. The report also noted ongoing projects including new downtown apartments on West Sixth Street and developments near Sand Creek Station. City staff explained that recent projects capitalized on available funding opportunities to meet the community’s need for diverse housing options, noting that providing senior options helps free up existing homes for younger families.

3. Emergency Declared in Fox Ridge Subdivision Due to Unknown Gas Leak

HARVEY COUNTY - The Harvey County Commission approved a state and local disaster emergency proclamation Tuesday morning in response to a persistent gas leak in the new Fox Ridge subdivision. Emergency Management official Lee Miller reported that Kansas Gas Service responded to the smell of gas over the weekend, but the source remains undetermined, potentially stemming from an older gas line or a natural release. Specialized equipment is being used to ventilate the soil; however, gas levels rise again within hours if the equipment is turned off. The disaster declaration was a procedural requirement to access specialized resources from the Office of the State Fire Marshal and Sedgwick County Hazmat units. While no injuries or damages have occurred and residents currently have access to their homes, construction in the immediate area has been halted as the investigation continues.

4. Federal Grant Windfall Significantly Reduces Local Cost for Airport Runway

NEWTON - The local share for the $5.7 million crosswind runway project at Newton City-County Airport has dropped significantly due to increased federal funding and a reduced match requirement. Airport Director Brian Palmer reported that the anticipated Airport Improvement Program grant increased from $3.2 million to $3.6 million. Additionally, the required local match for the grant was reduced from 10% to 5%. This decreased the total local obligation from an estimated $570,757 down to $230,000. This cost will be split between Harvey County and the City of Newton, saving each entity significant funds. Construction on the runway began last week.

5. Newton Adopts New Incentive Framework to Attract Hotels

NEWTON - In an effort to address a shortage of hotel rooms and attract new lodging options, the Newton City Commission approved a new framework for hotel development incentives. The policy outlines potential incentives for both new construction and the renovation of existing properties. New hotels meeting minimum investment ($5 million) and room count (60+) requirements may qualify for tax abatements via Industrial Revenue Bonds (IRBs), a Community Improvement District (CID) sales tax, and Transient Guest Tax (TGT) rebates. A separate structure exists for existing hotels undergoing a major rebrand or renovation with a minimum $1 million investment. The policy serves as a guideline; any incentive package will require a cost-benefit analysis and final approval by the commission on a case-by-case basis.

6. City and County Partner on “Safe Streets for All” Transportation Plan

NEWTON - The Newton City Commission approved the selection of PEC as the consultant for the federal Safe Streets for All (SS4A) grant, a joint initiative with Harvey County. The grant, which comes at no cost to the local entities, funds the development of a comprehensive transportation safety plan. The SS4A program focuses on evaluating safety for all modes of transportation, including vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians. The resulting plan will analyze various locations throughout the city and county to identify needed improvements, such as crosswalks and bicycle paths, providing a roadmap for future infrastructure projects.

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