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Newton council adopts several resolutions, approves surplus-sales and a $50,000 fire fleet amendment
Summary
At its March 3 meeting, Newton City Council adopted a resolution to call a public hearing on installment financing, approved the $100,000 sale of 125 South Ervin Avenue, declared seven Whitten Lane parcels surplus, moved to request even-year municipal elections, and adopted a $50,000 budget amendment for fire vehicle repairs.
Newton City Council on March 3 approved a slate of administrative and financial actions, including resolutions on financing, surplus property sales and an election-timing request, and adopted a $50,000 budget amendment for fire vehicle repairs.
City Attorney John Cilley reviewed the statutory upset-bid process under NCGS 160A-269 and explained that Teresa K. Setzer submitted a $100,000 offer for the city-owned parcel at 125 South Ervin Avenue and deposited the required 5 percent. The notice was published in the Hickory Daily Record and no upset bids were received; council adopted a resolution authorizing the sale and directed the City Manager and mayor to execute conveyance documents.
Finance Director Kimberley Robinson reported that the city solicited requests for proposals for installment financing; staff recommended calling a public hearing for March 17, 2026 at 3 p.m. under NCGS 160A-20(g. Council adopted the resolution calling the public hearing unanimously.
The council approved declaring seven parcels on Whitten Lane (total appraisal $569,000 as of 06/22/2025) surplus to permit offers at fair market value. City Manager Sean Hovis said the parcels were donated in 2017 for economic development; a potential buyer recently expressed interest.
The Fire Department requested and received a $50,000 budget amendment for fleet maintenance after reporting that existing repair funds would be insufficient for the remainder of FY2025-26. The item passed unanimously.
Council also adopted a resolution requesting the North Carolina General Assembly amend Newton's charter to move municipal elections to even-numbered years, noting higher turnout and shared election costs during even-year cycles. City Manager Hovis said many municipalities that switched added one year to council terms to effect the change; Mayor Pro Tem Beverly Danner asked that officials ensure citizen voices are preserved during any change.
Council made the listed approvals by unanimous vote; documented motions and adopted resolutions are on file in the City Clerk's office.