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Newton approves multiple utility and infrastructure budget amendments for sewer repairs, equipment and electric extensions
Summary
On April 1, 2025 Newton City Council approved several budget amendments covering a $189,600 excavation to locate a WWTP flow restriction, a $27,950 emergency sewer repair, a $41,900 gearbox replacement, a $114,250 radiator replacement for a Target generator, $552,250 for electric distribution extensions, and $217,250 in additional electric operational funds; council also approved a $75,035 two-year stormwater contract with WPCOG.
Newton City Council on April 1 approved a package of budget ordinance amendments and contracts to address immediate wastewater plant constraints, emergency sewer repairs, equipment failures and electric distribution needs.
Wastewater: Public Utilities Director Dusty Wentz told council that crews previously removed an excessive amount of debris from the lime grit mixing chamber and piping but the flow restriction between the lime grit building and the primary clarifiers persisted. Staff solicited and received a $189,600 proposal from James E. Harris Construction Company to excavate the 36-inch gravity line, remove 90-degree bends, inspect the line and provide up to three days of hydro-jetting plus one month of bypass pumping; council approved the budget amendment to fund that work.
Separately, Wentz described an emergency repair performed March 7 behind 1222 McKay Farm Road after a large hole in a 24-inch main allowed sewage to escape to Clark's Creek. Chad Sigmon Construction completed the repair and submitted an invoice for $27,909; council adopted a $27,950 appropriation to cover the emergency work and bank-restoration measures including riprap.
Equipment replacements: On March 13 an aerator gearbox in Basin #4 failed and Dixie Electro Mechanical Services quoted $41,864.44 to replace the gearbox (Council approved $41,900). Wentz said delivery would take about 18–19 weeks. For the #1 peak-shaving generator at the Target Distribution Center, Carolina CAT offered two options; staff recommended a full radiator replacement given extended warranty coverage, and council approved funding of $114,250 for that replacement.
Electric distribution and operations: The council approved an appropriation of $552,250 for material costs to extend electric distribution service to four approved construction projects (Newton-Conover High School expansion, Dunkin', Rowe Crossing, Eastern Ridge). Council also approved $217,250 in additional funding across several electric operation line items (overtime, distribution supplies, street lighting and generator fuel) to avoid mid-year shortfalls.
Regional stormwater services: Planning Director Randy Williams recommended continuing a two-year contract with the Western Piedmont Council of Governments to provide stormwater planning and NPDES Phase II services; the partnership fee for July 1, 2025–June 30, 2027 is not to exceed $75,035 and council authorized the City Manager to sign the agreement.
Council action: Each of the listed budget ordinance amendments and the WPCOG contract was adopted by unanimous vote.
What this means: The approvals fund immediate repairs and equipment replacements needed to maintain regulatory compliance at the wastewater plant and support active and near-term development by funding distribution extensions and operational contingencies.
