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Newton City Council approves Social District ordinance, tables $158,000 budget amendment
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Summary
The Newton City Council on Dec. 7, 2021 adopted Ordinance 2021-54 to create a downtown Social District under Session Law 2021-150 while unanimously tabling a proposed $158,000 budget amendment for enforcement and maintenance until Jan. 4, 2022.
The Newton City Council on Dec. 7, 2021 approved a local ordinance (2021-54) creating a downtown Social District that allows retail establishments to sell alcoholic beverages in designated containers for consumption within a mapped common area, and it tabled a staff-proposed $158,000 budget amendment tied to enforcement and maintenance.
City Manager Todd Clark told the council that the State of North Carolina’s Session Law 2021-150 authorizes ABC Social Districts and that staff conducted a three‑week survey of businesses and residents (Oct. 12–Nov. 1) before drafting the ordinance and a required Management Plan. Clark said the plan and map show district boundaries, container labeling and required signage and that the City Manager would administratively develop and implement the Management Plan unless Council chooses to require future public hearings for plan amendments.
The staff-proposed budget amendment of $158,000 would fund a dedicated downtown police officer and associated equipment, a Recreation Department maintenance position for downtown upkeep, and signage around the perimeter of the district. Jeff Allen, a downtown resident and business owner, criticized the budget proposal, saying the cost was unnecessary for what he described as a limited pilot: “I see no need for a full time officer if the Social District is only 3 days,” Allen said, calling the map and the budget "silly" and urging the council to allow the district seven days a week. David White said he opposed the district and suggested it was being implemented because of "one squeaky wheel."
Council debate split along fiscal lines. Council Member Jerry Hodge said he supported the Social District itself but opposed allocating the proposed budget solely at this time and suggested businesses share costs if they will benefit. Council Member Ed Sain said the downtown has long needed a police presence and maintenance support. Mayor Pro Tem John Stiver noted five vacancies in the police department. Council Member Anne Wepner said she liked the idea of a downtown officer but was concerned about the expense and urged a probationary or education period to allow the public to learn the rules.
Council Member Ed Sain moved and Jody Dixon seconded adoption of Ordinance 2021-54; the ordinance passed with five votes in favor and one opposed (Council Member Anne Wepner). Separately, Council Member Jody Dixon moved and Council Member Jerry Hodge seconded tabling the Budget Ordinance Amendment to the Jan. 4, 2022 meeting; the tabling motion passed unanimously.
The ordinance directs that a Management Plan be developed; staff indicated the City Manager will be responsible for administratively implementing the Plan, including days and times for on‑street consumption and registration of eligible retail establishments at no cost. The budget amendment and associated staffing will return for Council consideration on Jan. 4, 2022.