A Fort Dodge company has submitted the low bid for a new Washbay at the City of Newton’s Public Works Building. Jensen Builders Incorporated’s price for constructing the 40’x60’x19’ stand-alone building is $724,200. That’s lower than bids made by Graphite Construction of Des Moines, Edge Commercial of Grimes, and Eick & Day Construction of Johnston. The Newton City Council will consider awarding the construction contract to Jensen Builders during their regular council meeting this coming Monday night. 

Newton City Administrator Matt Muckler says a combination of General Fund Revenue and Road Use Tax money will be used to pay for the new Washbay. The project is to be completed by August 1st of this year. Newton Public Works staff says the current pole building with metal sheeting is rotting due to constant exposure to water and road salt. Staff also notes this rotting has been accelerated due to the recent relocation of Park Department operations to the Public Works site.