Newton’s City Hall will finally be getting a new roof, a project at least three years in the making.
The Newton Board of Aldermen approved a $506,250 bid from D&H Construction, Inc. with a $7,500 addendum to replace the roof on city hall.
Parks and Recreation Director Jay Powell said the project was recently approved by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, who is overseeing the project since it is a designated historic site.
The reason why the addendum was added to the project was for repairing wood trusses for City Hall. Powell was hopeful the construction would begin shortly.
In other business, the board heard from City Attorney Brian Mayo about whether the city could do an amnesty day to help residents pay off old fines or utility bills. By clearing up old debts, those residents wouldn’t be included in those remanded to the state through the Mississippi Municipal League to garnish state income tax refunds to pay for the old debt.
Mayo reported to the board that once late fees are issued, it becomes a part of the debt and cannot be written off. He said he is investigating other alternatives.
In other business, the board:
• rejected an uninsured motorist coverage offered by the Mississippi Municipal League. The city usually has refused the additional coverage each year.
• accepted the certification of municipal court clerk Shelia Jackson for FY 2018 and FY 2019.
• approved the municipal compliance report for FY 20.
• will purchase two computers from BBI for $2,080 that will be compatible with updated billing software.
• accepted the lowest quote for worker’s compensation insurance from Mississippi Municipal Service for $47,969.98. FLM Insurance of Newton also submitted a bid for $53,429.37.
• approved Mayo to continue providing legal services for the city.
• Approved Custom Paving patching areas on Church Street.
• approved a reduction in force for the recreation department to eliminate the position held by Charles Curry effective September 27.
• accepted the resignation of police officer Tyler Sistrunk.
• approved the transfer of a 2014 Dodge Charger from the police department to the airport. This vehicle will become the new airport courtesy vehicle. The current airport vehicle will be sold for surplus.
• declared a 2005 Ford Crown Victoria and a 2005 GMC pickup as surplus property.
• approved claims totaling $402,218.02, $145,083.63 from the general fund, $31,748.92 from the water fund, $110.47 from motel tax and $225,275 for debt service.
• changed the final name of the street it is renaming near Newton High School. The street will be called McMullan Street, dropping the first name of the street’s namesake.
