The City of Newton’s budget process for Fiscal Year 2026, which began in early November, ended Monday evening with the adoption of an operating budget that keeps the city’s tax levy rate at $17.10, which is the same rate as the current fiscal year. Staffing levels for the City of Newton will also remain the same. Fiscal Year 2026, which will begin on July 1st includes a spending plan that features  three percent cost of living increases for department directors and non-union employees, and step increases for union and pay plan employees. Newton City Administrator Matt Muckler’s pay was also increased effective immediately. The city council granted him a four percent raise, retroactive to March 27th, in a motion made by Third Ward Representative Stacy Simbro.

“When you compare to sister or comparable cities, our CIty Administrator’s compensation is at the low end of the spectrum. Four percent would put him more towards the middle.”

Newton Mayor Evelyn George says the four percent increase raises Muckler’s salary by just over $6,000 per year. At-Large Councilman Randy Ervin was the only city council member to vote against Muckler’s raise. The undesignated fund balance at the end of the Fiscal Year 2026 Newton City Budget is projected to be just over 27% of budgeted expenditures.