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Newton City Council Meeting | June 2, 2026
Published: Jun 2, 2026
Scattered Site Housing Grant Closes Out With Funds De-obligated; Additional COVID Grant Secures Van for Assure Ministries
The council held a close-out public hearing for the scattered site housing grant received in July 2020. The city received funding approval in August 2021, with environmental reviews completed in August 2022, allowing the project to start. Initially targeting 15 houses, the project ultimately completed work on six houses for 16 low-income beneficiaries. A total of $165,035.71 is being de-obligated due to various issues that prevented the completion of all targeted homes, including title search problems, applicant disqualifications, and unforeseen issues like lead-based paint abatement costs. The city also received an additional $47,000 for a COVID grant through CDBG to purchase a delivery van for Assure Ministries for food delivery.
Council Tables Energy Efficiency Grant Amidst Concerns Over Implementation; Citizen Raises Issues of Transparency and Inaction on Pride Proclamation
During the meeting, concerns were raised about the implementation and communication of the Targeted Energy Efficiency Grant Program. Council members expressed frustration over the lack of a designated 'targeted business district' and questioned the program's history, administration, and accessibility since its inception in February 2023. It was noted that the program was adopted on the consent agenda with no money involved, but subsequent budgets varied, and there was a lack of formal publicity. The council decided to table the grant program discussion until July 14th, requesting a detailed written report from staff outlining the program's history, publicity efforts, any errors or omissions, and an assessment of its original purpose. Additionally, a citizen speaker highlighted concerns regarding the council's perceived inaction on a proclamation for Pride Month, contrasting it with the approval of other initiatives.
Canterberry Property Annexed and Zoned R20; Energy Efficiency Grant Program Tabled
The council considered a two-part item regarding property owned by Stephen and Margaret Canterberry: establishment of zoning and annexation. The property, located on Star Town Road, is over 20 acres. The proposed zoning is R20 single-family residential, consistent with the current Catawba County R20 residential zoning, but considered a downzoning by the city due to restrictions on duplexes. The annexation would allow connection to public sewer and access to NC water utility rates. The Planning Commission recommended approval of the R20 zoning. Following a public hearing, the council adopted the zoning ordinance, including consistency and reasonableness statements, and then proceeded to approve the contiguous annexation ordinance for the property, effective July 1st, 2026. The council also discussed the 'targeted energy efficiency grant program' and decided to table the item until a 'targeted business district' can be established, citing issues with program implementation and communication.
City Code Amendment for Utility Meter Maintenance Approved; Water Plant Generator and Switch Gear Upgrade Authorized
The council considered a text rewrite for section 98-63 of the city code of ordinances concerning the maintenance of meters and other equipment. The current ordinance, dating back to 1972, states that meters over one inch in size shall be calibrated or replaced every two years at the city's expense, with users only charged for repairs at the city's discretion. However, common practice over the past two decades has been to repair or replace meters on an as-needed basis and charge users only for meters larger than one inch. The proposed amendment aims to align the ordinance with current practice by removing the mandatory two-year calibration/replacement and stating that the cost of repair or replacement for meters exceeding one inch in size shall be borne by the user. This change is considered a housekeeping measure to reflect actual operations. Additionally, the council approved a budget ordinance amendment to utilize fund balance in the electric fund for equipment at the water plant, including a new generator, switch gear, and automatic transfer switch, totaling $328,700, plus the previously budgeted $72,100 for the transfer switch, for a total of $400,800. This upgrade aims to improve reliability and allow for the reuse of older parts from the replaced generator to maintain other facilities.
Canterberry Property Zoned R20; Energy Efficiency Grant Program Tabled Amidst Governance Concerns
The council reviewed and approved zoning for the Canterberry property, establishing an R20 single-family residential zone. This action followed a public hearing and was part of a larger annexation process for the property located on Star Town Road. The Planning Commission had recommended approval of the R20 zoning, finding it consistent with surrounding development patterns. The city's R20 zone is slightly more restrictive than the county's R20 designation, particularly regarding duplexes, aligning with the city's comprehensive plan for middle-intensity residential neighborhoods. The council also addressed the Targeted Energy Efficiency Grant Program by tabling it due to issues with defining a 'targeted business district' and concerns about program administration, requiring further review and a staff report.
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The Newton News archive
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Newton City Council Budget Workshop | May 21, 2026
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Newton City Council Budget Workshop | May 12, 2026
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