January 15, 2025

City of Newton phased in offices, building re-openings underway

By Pam Pratt

Signs posted at Newton City Hall tell potential visitors masks are required to enter the building and not to enter if you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19. As of Aug. 3, city hall has been open to the public to conduct business. (Pam Pratt)

The City of Newton has begun a phased reopening process for its offices and buildings.

City buildings have been closed from public access since March 19 after Newton Mayor Mike Hansen amended his emergency proclamation. The closure was cited as a way to assist in social distancing and slow the spread of COVID-19.

Now as more businesses have opened and restrictions have lessened, city offices will follow suit and begin to allow the public in to conduct business.

“The strategy behind the phased reopening of city offices and facilities is to balance the safety and wellness of staff and residents while maintaining city services. The city has a duty to the public to provide customer service, but we also want to ensure that we are taking precautions to keep everyone healthy and safe. To do this, we wanted to provide consistent expectations to staff and residents through a phased reopening of city offices,” community marketing manager Danielle Rogers said.

As buildings reopen, anyone entering city facilities will be required to wear a protective mask in accordance with the Iowa Department of Public Health guidelines. Rogers said the city is requesting the first two business hours be reserved for the higher risk population or those over the age of 65 and with underlying health conditions.

Most offices have installed protective glass barriers between the visitors and office staff. Signage has been posted at each office to give information about the social distancing expectations and how many can be in the lobby at the same time. City staff also will be cleaning and disinfecting public areas and the beginning and end of each workday.

Rogers said Hansen has created a task force to help create guidelines the city has been following during the reopening process following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, IDPH and the Jasper County Health Department.

“Most of our facilities and offices are open for business and provide a high level of customer service that people are used to. A lot of business can also be done online at our website or over the phone,” Rogers said. “Many staff members are holding meetings with other departments, outside partners and developers through electronic means.”

At the conclusion of the current proclamation from the mayor, the task force will begin to work on how to begin in-person city council meetings. Rogers also pointed to the Newton Public Library as it is working on its own phased in approach, relying on guidance from the library’s board of directors. The board continues to review its reopening strategy at its monthly meetings.

Rogers said city staff will continue to monitor the ongoing pandemic on a daily basis. The re-openings will stay on course unless there is a specific reason to close once more.

“Following IDPH and JCHD guidance, a building and/or office could close to the public if an employee or employees are exposed to or test positive for COVID-19,” Rogers said.

Here is a look at the phased in strategy for city buildings:

Newton City Hall

• Office hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

• Those who have business with city hall are still encouraged to call 641-792-2787 ext 2000 or visit newtongov.org for permits, records that you may be seeking.

• To speak to a specific staff member, you can view a complete directory online at newtongov.org/directory.aspx

• Council chambers remain closed to the public through Sept. 7

Newton WaterWorks

• Office hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

• Payments can be mailed (check only), dropped off using the outside drop off or at the Hy-Vee customer service counter.

• For any questions, call 641-792-2003

Newton Fire Department

• Office hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

• People are encouraged to call 641-792-3347 for business questions

Newton Police Department

• Office hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

• People are encouraged to call 641-791-0850 for business questions or for non-emergency after hours calls to dispatch 641-792-1547

Newton Public Library

• The library is in phase 2 of re-opening which is open for computer reservations and is offering appointments for diecut/accucut, notary, proctoring appointments and library card application/account.

• Current hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. All reservations and appointments should be made within these hours.

• Curbside pickup services are available during library hours.

• All questions and requests can be directed to 641-792-4108

Newton Public Works

• Office hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

• The public is still encouraged to complete business by calling 641-792-6622 or online at newtongov.org

Contact Pam Pratt at 641-792-3121 ext. 6530 or pampratt@newtondailynews.com