Newton City Staff is recommending the Newton City Council retain the company that is currently doing regular rental property inspections. The City’s current 3-year contract with Iowa Inspections LLC of Ackworth expires at the end of this month. City Administrator Matt Muckler says requests for proposals went out for a new contract, and four firms responded. Several City Staff members reviewed and evaluated the proposals with high priorities given to experience, qualifications, and efficiency.

Based on the evaluation, Muckler says Iowa Inspections LLC is the preferred provider. A five year contract with the company will be presented to the City Council tonight. There is no direct cost to the City, because the inspection fees are paid by the landlord directly to Iowa Inspections LLC. The State of Iowa requires all cities with a population of fifteen thousand or more to complete regular rental property inspections.

At the end of this evening’s Newton City Council meeting, Newton Police Chief Rob Burdessis is to provide an update on the process of locating an acceptable site for the City’s new eight stall modular animal control building. The City Council meeting at Newton City Hall will begin at 6 p.m.