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Newton council tables FY2023–24 budget after public hearing and debate
Summary
After a public hearing and multiple resident comments, the Newton City Council voted to table consideration of the FY2023–24 budget. Councilors disagreed over whether the plan was revenue‑neutral and whether it addressed citizen priorities; the motion to table passed 5–1.
After a public hearing and more than an hour of discussion and public comment at Newton City Hall on June 6, the Newton City Council voted to table consideration of the proposed Fiscal Year 2023–24 budget.
Assistant City Manager Sean Hovis presented the budget package, saying it reflected changes discussed during council work sessions on May 8 and 9 and detailing adjustments to General Fund and Electric Fund revenues and appropriations. The presentation included line‑item changes and transfers intended to balance the city’s operating and capital plans.
Multiple residents spoke during the hearing, urging the council to delay and reconsider the proposal. Phil Heath told the council that "there is nothing in the budget that will improve the lives of citizens" and urged tabling the measure. Jeff Allen said the plan "is not the city's money; it belongs to the citizens," calling for more public engagement before a vote. Several speakers questioned the city’s calculation of a 'revenue neutral' rate and asked for transparency on how figures were computed.
Mayor Pro Tem John Stiver asked how the revenue‑neutral calculation was derived; Finance Director Kim Robinson said the city used a worksheet provided by the School of Government.
On procedural motions, Council Member Beverly Danner moved to table the budget but that motion failed for lack of a second. Council Member Jody Dixon then called the question; City Attorney John Cilley advised that a two‑thirds majority would be required to take immediate final action. That procedural motion did not reach the two‑thirds threshold. Later, a motion by Dixon, seconded by Council Member Jerry Hodge, to table formal consideration of adopting the FY2023–24 budget passed with five council members voting in favor (Jody Dixon, Jerry Hodge, Beverly Danner, Roy Johnson and Mayor Pro Tem John Stiver) and one against (Ed Sain). The motion was recorded as RESOLVED: consideration to adopt the FY2023–24 budget be TABLED.
Councilors who spoke during the floor debate emphasized different priorities. Council Member Beverly Danner said improving citizens’ quality of life remained a council goal. Several residents continued to press for clearer communication and targeted public outreach if the city needs to raise or earmark funds for projects.
Next steps were not set at the meeting; tabling leaves the proposed budget available for further review and potential revision before the council takes a final vote.
