Newton – Week of July 12 2025
Budgets Increase; Battery Moratorium; Airport Runway Reconstruction; Manufacturer Grant; New Strategic Plan
Both City and County Increase 2026 Budgets
County Enacts Moratorium on Battery Energy Storage Systems
County and City Greenlight Massive Airport Runway Reconstruction
New Manufacturer ‘Olympus Filters’ Receives Economic Development Grant
Newton Hires Olsson to Develop New 10-Year Comprehensive Plan
1. Both City and County Increase 2026 Budgets
NEWTON – The Newton City Commission formally declared its intention to exceed the revenue-neutral rate for the 2026 budget year, a move that will allow it to capture increased property valuation revenues. By choosing to maintain the current mill levy of 72.223 instead of rolling it back to the calculated revenue-neutral rate of 68.820, the city expects to capture an additional $610,000 across five funds, including the General, Library, and Airport funds. This represents a 4.95% increase over the November 2024 valuation. The decision is a key step in the city’s budget process, setting the stage for public hearings and final budget adoption. The Harvey County Commission reviewed a preliminary 2026 budget that proposes a significant 1.886 mill levy increase. During a presentation, staff explained that while attempts were made to keep the mill levy flat, the increase is necessary to maintain current service levels and fund critical capital projects. Major factors driving the increase include a proposed bond payment for a courthouse remodel project, increased funding for the Road and Bridge and Sheriff’s Office funds to cover escalating operational costs, and other infrastructure needs. The proposed budget also includes cost-saving measures, such as not funding six newly requested personnel positions and removing over $200,000 in equipment and projects from the general fund. The commission was scheduled to hold an all-day work session on the budget on July 9, 2025.
2. County Enacts Moratorium on Battery Energy Storage Systems
HARVEY COUNTY – In response to ongoing public concern, the Harvey County Commission took action by directing its Planning and Zoning department to study and revise regulations for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in unincorporated areas of the county. Concurrently, the commission passed a resolution enacting a temporary moratorium on the permitting and construction of such facilities, effective immediately and lasting until January 1, 2028. The county’s legal counsel recommended broadening the language of the moratorium to be more comprehensive, covering not just storage but also the production, generation, and distribution of energy to prevent potential loopholes. This move provides the county time to conduct thorough research and develop effective regulations for the rapidly changing technology.
3. County and City Greenlight Massive Airport Runway Reconstruction
HARVEY COUNTY – In separate meetings, both the Harvey County and Newton City Commissions approved a series of agreements to officially kick-start the reconstruction of Runway 8/26 at the Newton City-County Airport, a project valued at over $4.7 million. Both bodies approved a Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) Aviation grant that will contribute over $671,000 toward the project’s electrical work. They also authorized agreements with Dondlinger Construction to perform the work and with consulting firm HNTB for construction oversight services. Officials reported that one of the major federal grants for the project, totaling approximately $1.45 million, has been secured, and the 10% local match for those funds will be covered by the state’s Build Kansas Fund, resulting in a zero local match for that portion.
4. New Manufacturer ‘Olympus Filters’ Receives Economic Development Grant
NEWTON – The Newton City Commission approved an economic development grant agreement for Olympus Filters, a new industrial filtration equipment manufacturer located at 1810 Southeast Ninth Street. The agreement provides the company with a grant of up to $20,000, which functions as a rebate of the city’s portion of property taxes. The company, which has already made significant upgrades to its leased facility, plans to create seven jobs over a ten-year period and has made a capital investment of approximately $875,000. Officials from the Harvey County Economic Development Council noted the project had a strong return on investment for the city and praised the company for choosing to grow in Newton.
5. Newton Hires Olsson to Develop New 10-Year Comprehensive Plan
NEWTON – The City of Newton is set to chart its course for the next decade after the City Commission approved an agreement with the firm Olsson to create a new comprehensive plan. The city is shifting from a 20-year to a more flexible 10-year planning cycle after making significant progress on the goals of its previous plan. Seven firms submitted proposals, with Olsson ultimately being selected based on criteria that included their proposed approach, qualifications, and strong client references from similar communities. Key elements of Olsson’s proposal that stood out were a robust public engagement plan and an updated housing study.
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