The Newton City Commission approved one-year contract extensions for the city manager and the city attorney following a staff report and prior executive-session reviews.

The mayor noted commissioners had completed annual assessments and that the extensions include a 3% merit increase, a 3% cost-of-living increase and an adjustment of three additional weeks of vacation carried over from the prior year’s executive-level adjustments. Commissioners praised both individuals for professional conduct and responsiveness.

A motion to approve the contracts was made, seconded and carried by voice vote. City staff noted commissioners who need to sign a waiver for counsel related to one of the contracts should do so after the meeting.

Next steps: paperwork will be completed and the contracts executed; one commissioner asked that any required waivers be signed after the meeting.