At-Large Newton City Councilman Randy Ervin would like recipients of city grants to appear at Newton City Council meetings. Ervin says the city has awarded a lot of grants over the past few years, and they rarely see who are getting the money. He believes if someone is asking for financial assistance from the city, they should take the time to introduce themselves to the community.

“It would be nice if some of the people receiving grants would take the time to walk up here. It would just be nice to put a face with the name sometimes.”

Councilman Ervin brought up the issue at this week’s Newton City Council meeting, as council members unanimously approved a $355 Downtown Improvement Grant for signage at a new boutique at 111 West 2nd Street South. 

Newton City Administrator Matt Muckler says Ervin’s feedback will be shared with future grant applicants.