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Newton council approves $89,000 electric distribution budget amendment 6–1 after growth and storm damage
Summary
Council approved a budget amendment to cover unplanned electric distribution and maintenance costs driven by rapid development and storm damage; the measure passed 6–1 with Council Member Ed Sain the lone dissenting vote.
Newton City Council approved a budget ordinance amendment on April 6 to cover roughly $89,000 in unbudgeted electric distribution and maintenance costs after staff said growth and storm damage created a shortfall.
Doug Wesson, Electric Division Supervisor, told council the division experienced increased demand from new construction projects — including a 52‑lot subdivision in Maple Ridge, townhomes on Iris Lane and service to a Crate & Barrel site — and had to replace about 20 poles to accommodate AT&T’s 5G fiber network. He also said a recent hurricane caused substantial damage requiring additional unplanned spending. Wesson said the city anticipates needing about $89,000 to finish in‑progress projects and cover maintenance for the rest of fiscal year 2020‑21.
Council voted 6–1 to adopt the budget amendment. Mayor Pro Tem John Stiver and Council Members Anne Wepner, Jerry Hodge, Beverly Danner and Jody Dixon voted in favor; Council Member Ed Sain voted against the measure. City Manager Todd Clark confirmed the request was unbudgeted and characterized it as an emergency.
Why it matters: the amendment funds repairs and ongoing distribution work created by growth and storm impacts; the 6–1 split shows at least one council member pushed back on unbudgeted spending.
Next steps: staff will use the approved funds to complete the listed projects and report on spending as required by city financial procedures.
