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Newton council approves new sheriff contract, lot-line change and planning-commission appointment; declines tax-rate increase
Summary
At its May 7 meeting, the Newton Town Council unanimously approved a three-year Cache County law-enforcement contract, a property line adjustment for 51 South Center/76 South 100 West and the appointment of Calvin Kremin to the planning commission; the council voted not to pursue a property-tax increase this year.
Newton’s Town Council approved several administrative measures and voted not to seek a property-tax increase at its May 7 meeting.
Mayor Craig Rigby called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. and the council — Craig Rigby, Anzl Rhodes, Brandon Taylor and Jed Woodward — approved the April minutes before taking up consent and action items.
Lieutenant Bartschi of the Cache County Sheriff’s Office presented a revised 2026–2027 policing contract, saying Newton received 508 hours of service last fiscal year while it had contracted and paid for 297 hours. The new three-year contract maintains the contracted hours but increases the hourly rate, resulting in a roughly $1,100 total increase for the town. Councilor Anzl Rhodes moved to accept the proposed contract; Councilor Brandon Taylor seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
Town engineer Eric Dursteler then reviewed a final plat adjusting lot lines for property at 51 South Center and 76 South 100 West. The adjustment moves the town’s septic drain field fully onto town property and preserves an easement for a water antenna mounted on a ball-diamond light pole; the church will separate and relocate a power panel for the lights. Councilor Brandon Taylor moved to approve the lot-line adjustment, Councilor Jed Woodward seconded, and the motion passed with all members present voting yes. Councilors directed that a separate irrigation line and meter be installed for the ball diamond.
Treasurer Kathryn Rigby presented budget worksheets and led discussion of department ledgers. Mayor Rigby said he did not want to pursue a property-tax increase this year because of uncertainty surrounding Cache County’s proposed fire-district funding plan and related new tax rates. Councilor Jed Woodward moved not to consider a tax-rate increase for 2026; Councilor Brandon Taylor seconded and the motion was approved unanimously. Councilors agreed to review departmental budgets individually before the next meeting.
The council appointed Calvin Kremin to the Newton planning commission after a motion by Councilor Anzl Rhodes and a second from Councilor Jed Woodward; the motion carried unanimously.
Other routine items included staff announcements (the assistant-clerk position was posted after Nicole Kunzler’s resignation), an update that a new street-mowing tractor has arrived, and plans by the celebration committee to fund fireworks for the town celebration.
The meeting adjourned at 9:05 p.m.
