Newton council authorizes filing to borrow $3.712 million for equipment and infrastructure

The Newton City Council voted unanimously Feb. 4 to authorize the city manager and finance director to apply to the North Carolina Local Government Commission for installment financing to cover $3,712,400 in infrastructure and equipment costs.

Finance Director Kim Robinson outlined the proposed purchases that together total the $3,712,400 estimate: a 2025 Mack dump truck with plow and salt spreader ($175,050), a tractor with side arm mower ($192,550), police portable and mobile radio replacements ($247,800), a compact track loader/skid steer with milling attachment ($133,000), elevator renovation/modernization ($214,000), architectural and engineering fees for a new fire station ($250,000) and a Smeal aerial fire truck ($1,850,000). The Water & Wastewater Fund item is a Vac-Con dual-engine sewer cleaner truck ($650,000).

Robinson said the finance department will solicit quotes from financial institutions and bring a recommendation back to council on April 1, when the council also will hold the public hearing required by the Local Government Commission process.

Council Member Jon McClure asked whether the city has a policy limit on pay-as-you-go versus financed items; Robinson said there is no established limit and McClure said he wants that topic discussed during budget meetings.

The council adopted two resolutions: one authorizing staff to file the application with the North Carolina Local Government Commission and another calling a public hearing for April 1, 2025. Both resolutions passed unanimously.