Newton City Council Approves New Public Safety Storage Facility

The Newton City Council has awarded a bid for the construction of a new public safety storage building that will serve both the police and fire departments. The decision, made during a council meeting on October 6, 2023, passed with a unanimous vote of 6-0. No objections were raised by citizens, and there was no discussion among council members regarding the project.

The proposed storage facility will be strategically located near the existing Newton WaterWorks building at 500 W. Seventh St. N.. Designed to accommodate loose equipment and reserve vehicles, the building will measure 40 feet by 80 feet and feature 14-foot sidewalls and a pitched roof. The plans and specifications were developed collaboratively by both the fire and police departments in partnership with Tometich Engineering.

As part of the bidding process, the city received five proposals, which included a base bid along with an additional alternative bid. The three most competitive bids were submitted by the following companies: Pro-Line Building Company at $235,974, Burkett Construction at $308,656, and Accurate Commercial at $334,679.80. Ultimately, the lowest responsible bidder was identified as Pro-Line Building Company.

City documents reveal that the engineer’s estimate for the project, excluding interior finishes, was $253,200. The construction is set to be completed by June 30, 2026, enhancing the operational capabilities of both public safety departments in Newton.

This initiative underscores the city’s commitment to supporting its emergency services, ensuring they have the necessary resources and infrastructure to effectively serve the community.