Newton
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Daily News
Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2014
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Newton, Iowa
Potential franchise fees hot topic for city council
Ty Rushing/Daily News Far left, Jack Suttek, Newton Community School District Maintenance Supervisor, explained to the board of education the challenges of keeping the Berg Complex operation. The district’s architect, David Briden, center, and Jim Gilbert, right, associate director of elementary services also spoke at Tuesday’s work session.
School district to acquire new property
Jamee . Pierson/Daily News Dick Davidson, President of Thombert Inc., spoke to the Newton City Council about his concerns with a potential franchise fee and what it would means for his business at Monday’s city council meeting.
By Jamee A. Pierson Daily News Staff Writer Concerned citizens and businesses turned out to voice their opinions on a proposed franchise fee for electric and natural gas utilities at Monday’s Newton City Council meeting. A lengthy discussion was held by the council about all options that were considered to pay for infrastructure improvements, as well as potential caps for larger
Further research being conducted on district building updates
manufacturing businesses that are heavier users of local utilities. “We absolutely are in support of having Newton be an attractive community with good roads and good infrastructure. We are however extremely concerned about how the funds to accomplish that would be raised,” said Dick Davidson, president of Thombert Inc.
By Ty Rushing Daily News Senior Staff Writer Rumors have already been running red hot on the Newton Community School District’s future configuration, and several decisions made at Tuesday’s board of education work session are sure to keep fanning those flames. The board gave Superintendent Bob Callaghan permission to secure property on behalf of the district, however, no details were provided. Callaghan was
FEE See Page 8A
initially granted permission to investigate real estate property for the district in September. After hearing a nearly $18 million proposal to renovate the Berg Complex, the board asked for a detailed proposal on a new building for Berg and potential updates for every other building in the district. “When we consider construction, I need the whole bigger picture. Do we to need to plan for more classrooms because we need to eliminate, or do something different in other places
because there are similar issues, but maybe not as severe?” said Donna Cook, board member. “This way, we have a good investment of whatever tax dollars we have to use.” Nat Clark, another board member, agreed and said if the board was going to potentially have to use bonding to pay for Berg, it would be ideal to have a better idea of other projects that would need to be done. SCHOOL See Page 3A
County employees, officials insurance rates set for 2015 Supervisors invited to work with Central Iowa Workforce Board By Ty Rushing Daily News Senior Staff Writer Last year, Jasper County saw its employee and elected officials insurance rates jump from $153,348 per month to $171,058.69 per month, an 11.48 percent jump. However, things don’t look as drastic for the county going into 2015. Tuesday, the Jasper County Board of Supervisors approved a new plan that will only see its rates increase by 2.37 percent. The approved plan will cover medical, dental and vision insurance for 163 county employees and officials. It will cost $175,104.83 a month for the county
Ty Rushing/Daily News Front left, Bob Meller, of the Meller Insurance & Consulting, and Dennis Simon, front right, Jasper County Human Resources Director, gave the Jasper County Board of Supervisors a rundown on the county’s new insurance plans at Tuesday’s meeting. The county saw a 2.37 percent increase in its monthly premium.
— which amounts to the county paying 92 percent of cost for employees — features an expanded dental plan and an optional life insurance policy that would be of no cost to the county. “Obviously I like the
renewal rates. I am very, very pleased with that,” said Dennis Stevenson, board vice-chairman. Bob Meller, of the Meller Insurance & Consulting, said the county had a favorable claims year, which is why it only had a slight
increase in rates as compared to last year. “Hats off to the county and supporting a good wellness program. Wellness definitely has a positive effect on utilization. People are becoming more health conscious. We’ll have
years where we will have bad years on this program in place, but just all the cards fell right (this year),” Meller said. Another item of business for the board was a proposal by Angie Arthur, executive director of the Central Iowa
Workforce Development Board. She clarified to the board, that although she was listed on the agenda as speaking on behalf of Skilled Iowa, she was there for another purpose. Arthur asked the board to consider appointing an elected official to the Region 11 Workforce Board, which features eight counties including Jasper County. Other members include Dallas, Madison, Marion, Polk, Story and Warren counties. The purpose of the board is to provide oversight of the workforce system, and be responsible for programs for unemployed adults and youth, Arthur said. In order to have a representative on the board, the county would have to approve a 28E agreement. Brock and Stevenson seemed receptive to the matter, SUPERVISORS See Page 3A
Pastor pens book, to hold signing at Choices
Warriors toss Cardinals loss on Senior Night
“If God Won Our Elections” is a book that takes a look at the relationship between church and state and what the Bible has to say on the subject. | 2A
Sydney Hemann walked across the volleyball court with her parents, Tim and Kari Hemann, just before Newton High’s final regular-season match. Hemann is the lone senior. | 1B
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Calendar • 5A Obituaries • 5A
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High 63 Low 49 State News • 7A Opinion • 4A
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Volume No. 113 No. 111 2 sections, 14 pages