The Newton City Council met to discuss the annual 2013-2014 budget Monday evening. City Administrator Robert Knabel addressed the council on the upcoming challenges the city will face. The council did not vote to enforce any changes in this meeting,

One area of concern was the introduction of the Emergency Levy. This 27 cents per $1,000 taxable valuation would have generated approximately $120,000. Knabel informed the council that the rate is adjustable and 40 percent of the cities in the state use the levy, including ones in Jasper County.

“A commitment of $120,000 is not a large commitment considering the scope of the plan — it won’t go far.” Knabel said. “However, over five or 10 years, these resources will add up and allow the city to make major strides in accomplishing the Comprehensive Plan.”