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Newton approves multiple budget amendments and financing steps for parks, vehicles and equipment
Summary
At its Feb. 6 meeting the Newton City Council approved budget amendments and intent-to-reimburse resolutions for park lighting and equipment purchases, approved borrowing steps covering roughly $3.82 million in projects, and approved a compact track loader purchase in a 4–2 vote.
Newton City Council on Tuesday approved a series of budget amendments and financing steps covering parks lighting, vehicles and other equipment and moved to seek installment financing for a package of improvements.
Key approvals included:
- Compact track loader for Parks & Recreation: Parks Director Sandra Waters reported a Sourcewell quote for a compact track loader, trailer and fees reduced the purchase total to approximately $127,000. After discussion about borrowing and sharing trailers with Public Works, the council approved a budget ordinance amendment and official intent to reimburse. The motion passed 4–2, with Mayor Pro Tem John Stiver, Council Members Ed Sain, Jody Dixon and Roy Johnson voting in favor and Council Members Jon McClure and Beverly Danner voting against.
- Jaycee Westside Park lighting: Recreation staff presented an updated Musco Lighting quote of $585,000 to replace aging poles and fixtures, an increase of about $22,950 from the approved budget. Council approved the amendment and intent to reimburse unanimously; staff cited safety concerns and anticipated energy savings of more than 50% compared with standard systems.
- Installment financing resolution and hearing: Finance Director Kim Robinson presented estimated financing needs for general fund infrastructure and equipment and water/wastewater projects totaling $3,824,100. Council authorized filing an application with the North Carolina Local Government Commission and set a public hearing for March 5, 2024; staff will solicit quotes and return with a financing recommendation.
Other routine consent items, tax releases and appointments were also approved as part of the meeting’s business.
Why it matters: The measures allocate borrowed funds to infrastructure and equipment that departments said are long-delayed or necessary for safety and operations. The financing request will proceed to a public hearing and vendor selection process before borrowing is finalized.
