Newton City Council Approves New Storage Facility for Public Safety

The Newton City Council has officially awarded the contract for a new public safety storage building intended for the police and fire departments. This decision follows a unanimous vote of 6-0 after a public hearing on October 6, 2023, which saw no opposition or comments from citizens or council members.

The planned storage facility will accommodate loose equipment and reserve vehicles, addressing a critical need for both emergency services. Collaborating with Tometich Engineering, the police and fire departments developed the specifications for the building. Set to be located adjacent to the existing Newton WaterWorks building at 500 W. Seventh St. N., the proposed structure will measure 40 feet by 80 feet, featuring 14-foot sidewalls and a pitched roof.

Project Details and Bidding Process

The city received five bids for the construction project, which included both a base bid and an alternative option. The three lowest bids were from Pro-Line Building Company at $235,974, Burkett Construction at $308,656, and Accurate Commercial at $334,679.80. The council identified Pro-Line Building Company as the lowest responsible bidder, which is noteworthy considering the engineer’s estimate for the project—excluding interior finishes—was $253,200.

The construction of the storage facility is scheduled for completion by June 30, 2026. This development is expected to enhance the operational capabilities of both the police and fire departments, ensuring they are better equipped to serve the community.

The unanimous support from the council reflects a strong commitment to public safety and infrastructure improvement in Newton, as the city continues to prioritize the needs of its emergency services.