At Tuesday night’s meeting, the City Commission finalized a 10-year tax abatement and issuance of Industrial Revenue Bonds for CD Custom Enterprises’ recent expansion.
CD Custom is nearing completion of its new 50,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in the Newton Industrial Park. The expansion represents a capital investment of $5.5 million and the creation of about 20 new full-time jobs.
The property tax abatement delays the collection of property tax on the newly constructed improvements; the property continues to pay taxes at its previous valuation. IRBs are an obligation of the company, and the City has no liability or cost associated.
The Commission received a report on the status of the depot, which is still listed for sale for $1.5 million. The depot’s owner has received feedback that the listing price may be prohibitive given the repair work needed on the building. The listing agent has been advocating for City involvement in the sale, but City staff has recommended the City continue to monitor and offer support to potential private sector buyers.
Amtrak is moving forward with plans to reconstruct the depot’s deck/platform to improve lighting, safety and accessibility in the next 1-2 years. The project will not reduce parking at the depot or at City Hall, although portions of the City Hall lot may be used temporarily as a staging area during construction.
The Kansas Department of Transportation is also moving forward with planning for the Heartland Flyer extension, which would connect Newton with Oklahoma City and Fort Worth. KDOT has scheduled a public meeting for 1 p.m. Dec. 11 to present the results of the updated Passenger Rail Service Development Plan.
Commission reorganization
The Commission followed its traditional annual reorganization, selecting Rich Stinnett (left) as mayor and Kathy Valentine as vice mayor for the ensuing year.
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- Received a presentation of the Main Street survey results.
- Authorized City staff to participate in an upcoming County tax foreclosure auction.
- Amended City Code to eliminate provisions related to a food sales requirement for businesses serving liquor by the drink, as approved by voters in the 2024 county election.
- Approved an annual contract extensions for City Manager Daniela Rivas and City Attorney Chris Towle.
- Reviewed an interlocal agreement with the Railer Foundation, USD 373 and Newton Recreation Commission for Themian Park.
- Updated the City’s Fiscal and Budgetary Policy to increase the fund balance requirement for utility funds.
- Approved an agreement with Professional Engineering Consultants to update the Water & Sewer Master Plan.
- Approved a resolution for Carriage Factory Art Gallery to serve complimentary alcoholic beverages at events promoting the arts in 2025.
- Appropriated funds for 2025, ratified 2024 claims for payment, and canceled 2023 bad debts for accounting purposes.
- Approved additional applications for 2025 cereal malt beverage licenses.
For more information, please contact Communications Director Erin McDaniel at 316-284-6055 or emcdaniel@newtonkansas.com.
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