The City of Newton is reconsidering whether it will continue to put fluoride in its water system after it has been difficult and more expensive to obtain the chemical over the past few months.
Public Works Director Gary Turner said Jan. 18 that his department has enough of a supply to last for a few more weeks, but once that’s gone, he doesn’t know when or if they will be able to get any more. However, he said Feb. 1 they were able to obtain their first load of fluoride in a long time.
“We were able to get one ton of it," Turner said Feb. 1. "But the price jumped up from $1.35 per pound to $2 per pound."
Fluoride has been something that many municipalities would put in their tap water to help improve dental health for its customers.
According to the CD, “water fluoridation prevents tooth decay by providing frequent and consistent contact with low levels of fluoride. By keeping the tooth strong and solid, fluoride stops cavities from forming and can even rebuild the tooth’s surface.”
The board approved the water department to stop the fluoridization once his current supply runs out on Jan. 18. Other municipalities in Newton County are in the same situation as Newton, Turner said. But Turner said Feb. 1 they may revisit that if they are able to get more supply, but it will drive up the cost to the city.
In other business, the board:
• Accepted beautification donations of $25.
• Approved the gym usage agreement with Newton Municipal School District.
• Approved travel and registration for Adrianna Bender and Turner to attend conferences.
• Hired Marcus Lofton at $12 per hour.
• Terminated D’Ante Bender effective Jan. 18.
• Heard the monthly financial report.
• Heard from board attorney Brian Mayo about the recent Medical Cannabis act and how the city will prepare for it.
