In the fiscal year that begins on July 1st, the City of Newton anticipates collecting $2,250,000 in local option sales tax. The Jasper County Retired Senior Volunteer Program, United Way of Jasper County, Newton YMCA, and Heart of Iowa Regional Transit Agency will get a tiny percentage of that funding. After considering several local organizations’ requests for funding, the Newton City Council agreed to provide Heart of Iowa Regional Transit $35,251, the Newton YMCA $18,000, United Way of Jasper County $15,000, and the County RSVP program $5,000. The funds will be utilized to offer people of Newton and Jasper County a range of services and support.
The ballot text for Newton’s one-cent Local Option Sales and Services Tax in 2006 stated that 35% of the tax revenue had to be utilized for property tax relief, while the remaining 65% could be used for any government purpose. According to City Administrator Matt Muckler, the employee benefits fund will receive $787,500 in local option sales and services tax in the upcoming fiscal year, which begins on July 1st. This will lower the city’s 2025–2026 tax levy by $1.43 per $1,000 of taxable valuation. In the upcoming fiscal year, the proceeds from the Local Option Sales and Service Tax will also be utilized to assist in paying the wages of Newton’s Parks, Fire, and Police departments.
