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Newton Council approves change orders for Startown Fire Station and authorizes filing for financing
Summary
Council approved $112,632.75 in change orders to the Startown Fire Station contract and adopted a resolution to pursue $5,562,000 in installment financing for design and construction, scheduling a public hearing on Jan. 6, 2026.
Newton City Council voted Nov. 18 to approve change orders to the Startown Fire Station construction contract and to move forward with seeking installment financing for the project.
Fire Chief Kevin Yoder told the council that plan-review requirements from agencies including NCDOT, Catawba County Building Services and city departments required design changes. Change Order #1 adds seven steel lintels ($3,951.00); Change Order #2 covers plan-review-driven items such as reinforced concrete pipe, sidewalks along NC 10 Highway and Startown Road, and changes to bedroom window types ($108,681.75). Chief Yoder said the two change orders increase the contract by $112,632.75 and remain within the original approved budget.
Finance Director Kim Robinson reported that the city estimates $5,562,000 to design and construct the new Fire Station #3 and recommended staff solicit financing quotes. Council adopted a resolution authorizing the City Manager and Finance Director to file an application with the North Carolina Local Government Commission and set a public hearing for Jan. 6, 2026 to consider installment financing and a financing award recommendation.
The motion to file for financing passed with Mayor Pro Tem John Stiver and Council Members Ed Sain, Jody Dixon, Roy Johnson and Jon McClure recorded as voting in favor and Council Member Beverly Danner recorded as voting against; the transcript does not record Mayor Jerry Hodge’s vote.
Why it matters: the change orders reflect regulator-driven technical corrections and modest added cost relative to the overall project; the financing step is the scheduled administrative next step before a final financing award and construction contract action in January.
Council materials and staff presentations indicate the project remains inside the originally authorized funding envelope, but the financing resolution asks residents to review the proposed financing on Jan. 6, 2026.
