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Newton commission approves industrial revenue bonds, code cleanups and contract renewals
Summary
The Newton City Commission approved multiple measures in a single meeting, including industrial revenue bonds for CD Customs, updates to alcoholic beverage code, a water/sewer master plan agreement, changes to enterprise fund reserve policy, and contract adjustments for the city manager and city attorney.
The Newton City Commission voted unanimously to approve a series of ordinances, resolutions and contract updates during its meeting. Actions included authorizing industrial revenue bonds for CD Customs Enterprises, adopting local code changes related to alcoholic beverage sales, approving a water and sewer master plan agreement, and renewing executive contracts for the city manager and city attorney.
Bond counsel Garth Herman of Gilmore & Bell described the industrial revenue bond action for CD Customs Enterprises as "the final action" needed for a property-tax exemption that would begin Jan. 1, 2025, and stressed the bonds are "an obligation strictly of the company" and will not be the city’s debt. The commission authorized issuance not to exceed $5,500,000 (ordinance 5159-24), and the ordinance was approved by voice vote.
Other approvals included resolution G-1350, which allows the Carriage Factory Gallery to serve complimentary alcoholic and cereal malt beverages at arts-promoting events consistent with state statute; an update to city code chapter 4 (ordinance 28160-24) to remove references to the food-sales-to-alcohol-sales ratio and to present hours of sale in tabular form; and a water and sewer master plan agreement enabling an update to the city’s water model and utility planning, to be funded from water and sewer utility operating budgets.
Human Resources Director Trinese Robertson presented 2025 contract updates for the city manager and city attorney (step increases and two additional vacation weeks for the city manager). The commission approved both contracts in a single motion.
The commission also moved to update fiscal policy for enterprise fund minimum reserves, directing a gradual increase toward a three-month reserve for utility funds; staff said the change will be built up over time and not immediately affect resident rates. A resolution authorizing city staff to bid on a specific property at a tax foreclosure auction (resolution G-1351), citing KSA 79-2804i, was also adopted.
Votes were recorded by voice; no roll-call tallies with individual yes/no names were recorded in the public discussion. The measures approved will proceed under the city’s normal implementation processes and packet materials for the meeting will be uploaded to the city’s records.
