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County split on funding East 1st Street design; motion to pay equal share dies for lack of second
Summary
Commissioners debated whether to increase the county commitment to a Newton-led East 1st Street design project; a motion by Commissioner Schroeder to share costs equally with Newton lacked a second and failed, with commissioners deferring until they receive clarification about earlier $125,000 funding commitments.
Harvey County commissioners discussed whether to increase the county’s contribution to the East 1st Street design project — a two-mile corridor that includes the Hillsboro Industries frontage — during the May 27 meeting. County staff reported the City of Newton requested equal cost sharing, which would raise the county’s share to approximately $225,000–$250,000; the county had previously committed $100,000 toward design costs and separately committed $125,000 for improvements tied to the Hillsboro Industries entrance under a development agreement.
Commissioner Don Schroeder said he supported equal participation; Commissioner Terry Scott said she generally supported the project but worried about deprioritizing other capital projects and suggested budgeting additional funding in 2026 instead. Commissioner Becky Reimer preferred keeping the county commitment at $100,000 due to other county obligations (including roughly $115,000 to the Harvey County EDC and the existing $125,000 commitment). Commissioner Schroeder moved to participate equally; the motion died for lack of a second. The commission agreed to defer further discussion to the following week after receiving clarification from Newton about how previously committed funds might be applied.
The dispute underscores tensions about capital priorities, use of committed funds, and the timing of bonding for large projects. No final appropriation was made on May 27.
