The City of Newton Board of Mayor and Aldermen have approved a resolution honoring former Mayor and State Sen. Terry C. Burton, who retired and did not run for reelection in 2019. The resolution will be presented to Burton during a retirement reception on Sunday May 23, from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the McElroy-Hoye House, located at 400 East Church St. in Newton.
Burton served as mayor from 1989 to 1992. He then served in the State Senate from 1992 to his retirement in 2019. During his last term he served as Senate President Pro Tempore from 2016 until he resigned that position in early 2019.
The event is hosted by Newton United Methodist Church, Newton Chamber of Commerce, Newton City Officials, Newton Arts Council, Newton Historical Cultural Commission and family and friends.
Robert Holder looks in the new city fire truck. The city will draw down its general fund to pay for the truck while it waits on its financing. Once it is approved, the city will refund the general fund the full amount of the truck.
Brent Maze/The Appeal
The board also approved drawing over $542,000 from the general fund reserves to pay NAFECO for the fire truck while the financing for the fire truck is still being completed. Once the financing is approved, the city will reimburse the money to the general fund.
In other business, the board:
• Sent a courtesy letter to the property owner of 104 Banks Street
• Accepted the resignation of Savannah Martin effective May 5.
• Approve sending a courtesy letter to Brian Cole 415 Decatur Street.
• Approved a 1/8-page ad in the Newton County Appeal’s Graduation Section.
• hired J. Douglas Smith as prosecuting attorney at a rate of $500 per month with salary of City Attorney reduced by said amount effective July 1, 2021. City Attorney Brian Mayo said he is taking a position with the Chancery Judge’s office and cannot legally hold the position of prosecutor.
• Will hire summer workers for the public works department.
• Approve sending a courtesy letter to Randy McCall 313 E. Railroad St.
• Amended the retirement date of Ronnie Myers to May 12, 2021.
• Discussed overtime in the police department due to staff shortages due to several officers completing academy training and others off on leave.
• Purchased time clock and software from BBI for $1,565.
• Approved declaring a 2006 Ford Crown Victoria, 2003 Ford Crown Victoria, 2015 Dodge Charger and 2014 Dodge Charger as surplus property and will advertise it in the newspaper for bids.
• Approved its claims docket.
