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Administration

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1. Who does the city administrator report to?

The city administrator is hired by and works for the City Council, and works in close contact with the mayor.

2. Who reports to the city manager?

All city departments report to the city administrator with the exception of the library director, who reports to the Library Board.

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City Clerk

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1. How do I know which ward I live in?

You can find your address on the City Ward Map (PDF).

2. How do I contact my elected city officials?

Contact information and a brief biography of the elected city officials can be found on the City Council page

3. How do I request Public (Open) Records?

For specifics concerning requests for information and documents within the constraints of Iowa Code Chapter 22, view Requesting Records and Information.

4. Do I need a permit to sell door to door?

Yes, anyone going door to door will need to complete a Peddler's Permit.

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Commonly Asked Questions

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1. Where can I find information about City services?

We are happy to help you get all the information you need. If you can’t locate the answers in our website, please call City Hall at 641-792-2787.

2. How do I contact a City department?

Visit the Staff Directory to find all department and staff contact information.

3. How do I apply for a job with the City of Newton?

All available jobs with the City of Newton are listed under "I Want To > Apply For > Employment Opportunities" or by clicking the "Employment" link in the middle of the website home page.

The City of Newton no longer accepts paper applications. All applications must be submitted online through the City's website.

Apply by clicking on the job title you are interested in and then clicking on the "Apply Now" link. If it is the first time you are applying using our online job application, you will need to create an account and select a Username and Password. After your account has been established, you can import your resume and any other required attachments from a saved document file on your computer and complete and submit the application. Your resume may be saved and used to apply for future job openings.

4. What type of events should I submit to the Community Calendar?

Community organizations are welcome to submit events to the City of Newton's Community Calendar. The City encourages the submission of events which cater to the whole community such as pancake breakfasts, free concerts, ribbon cuttings and so on. The Community Calendar is not intended to promote private programming or sales initiatives or to support a political party or candidate. The City has the right to decline any calendar submissions.

5. Do I need a permit to sell door to door?

Yes, anyone going door to door will need to complete a Peddler's Permit. Residents have the right to ask to see the city issued ORIGINAL permit (copies are not valid) and identification (driver's license) before allowing peddlers/solicitors into their homes.

6. Where do I register to vote?

Voter registration may be completed in the Auditor’s office located in the Jasper County Courthouse at 101 1st Street North in Newton, Room 202 (2nd floor). More information on voting and elections can be found by viewing the Jasper County Auditor’s election website.

7. How do I vote absentee?

Absentee ballots are available through the Jasper County Auditor’s office. Call 641-792-7016 or visit the Jasper County elections website for more information.

Click here for the Absentee Ballot Request Form.

8. How do I find my precinct/polling place?

Precinct/Polling locations may be found on the Iowa Secretary of State website by entering your 5-digit zip code and address. Click here to find your Precinct/Polling Place on the Secretary of State’s website. You can click here to view the most recent voting locations from the Jasper County Auditor’s office.

9. How can I get information about my property or real estate taxes?

For information about Jasper County property and real estate taxes contact the Jasper County Treasurer's Office at 641-792-7731. You can view the information online by clicking here.

10. Where can I get information about my Federal income taxes?

Information about filing and submitting Federal income taxes is available through the Internal Revenue Service. Click here to visit their website.

11. Where can I get information about my State of Iowa income taxes?

Information about filing and submitting your State of Iowa income tax is available through the Iowa Department of Revenue's website. Click here to visit their website.

12. When is trash pickup?

Weekly garbage and recycling collection is provided by Dodd's Trash Hauling & Recycling Monday through Friday. Recycling should be placed at the curb between 1 p.m. and 9 p.m. prior to the scheduled collection day. Trash shall be placed at the curb after 6 p.m. on the day prior to regularly scheduled trash collection and no later than 5 a.m. on your collection day. The container shall be promptly removed from the curb following collection. Click here to learn more about the Newton Sanitary Landfill.

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Community Development

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1. How can I get more information about doing business in Newton?

Visit our Business page for more information about doing business in Newton.

2. How do I get a hold of city staff?

Visit our Staff Directory to see a listing of all city staff.

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Fire Department

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1. How do I sign up for emergency alerts?

You can sign up by clicking on the Alert Iowa link to the right. Alert Iowa

2. Can I burn leaves?

No. Leaf burning and open burning is not allowed at any time within the city limits of Newton. Recreational fires are permitted as long as they meet specific requirements. For more information on open burning requirements, please refer to our City of Newton Burning Regulations.

3. Where should I install smoke detectors in my home?

Smoke detectors should be installed on every level of your home, including outside your sleeping areas, and a smoke detector should be installed in each bedroom. For more information on smoke detectors, please refer to our section on Fire Safety.

4. Where do I find information on the Commercial Business Inspection Program?

Please refer to our City of Newton website page "Commercial Business/Property Inspections Program".  

5. Where do I sign up for the Commercial Business Property Inspections Program?

Commercial Business Inspections Program - Registration Form

6. How often should I change the batteries in my smoke or carbon monoxide detectors?

Ideally you should test your detectors once a month and change the batteries every 6 months. A good rule-of-thumb is to change the batteries when you change the time on your clocks in the spring and fall.

7. What rules apply to fireworks in Newton?

Newton City Council voted to allow limited usage of fireworks in city limits. Citizens within Newton City limits may discharge fireworks on July 4 from 8 P.M. to 11 P.M. For more information, contact the Fire Department at (641) 792-3347.

8. What does Iowa Code say about open burning bans?

IOWA CODE SECTION 100.40

100.40 Marshal may prohibit open burning on request.

1. The state fire marshal, during periods of extremely dry conditions or under other conditions when the state fire marshal finds open burning constitutes a danger to life or property, may prohibit open burning in an area of the state at the request of the chief of a local fire department, a city council or a board of supervisors and when an investigation supports the need for the prohibition. The state fire marshal shall implement the prohibition by issuing a proclamation to persons in the affected area. The chief of a local fire department, the city council or the board of supervisors that requested the prohibition may rescind the proclamation after notifying the state fire marshal of the intent to do so, when the chief, city council or board of supervisors finds that the conditions responsible for the issuance of the proclamation no longer exist.

2. Violation of a prohibition issued under this section is a simple misdemeanor.

3. A proclamation issued by the state fire marshal pursuant to this section shall not
prohibit a supervised, controlled burn for which a permit has been issued by the fire chief of the fire district where the burn will take place, the use of outdoor fireplaces, barbecue grills, properly supervised landfills, or the burning of trash in incinerators or trash burners made of metal, concrete, masonry, or heavy one-inch wire mesh, with no openings greater than one square inch.

9. Can I pay my ambulance service bill online?

Yes. Online payment is available for Newton Fire Department ambulance service billing. There are two ways to pay:

• Select "Pay a Bill" under the "I Want To..." menu to make a credit card payment online or click here. A 3.95% convenience fee for online payment processing will be added at checkout.
• You can also pay through Allpaid, a third party vendor, online or by phone. To pay online, click here. To pay by phone, call 888-604-7888 and use location code a002t8. HSA branded credit cards are accepted and convenience fees of 2.35% ($1 minimum) will be added at checkout.

10. How do I apply to become a Firefighter/EMT with the Newton Fire Department?

At various times we hire for volunteers/ paid-on-call staffing and create hiring lists for full-time personnel. Click the "I WANT TO" ... "Apply For".... "Employment Opportunities" link in the upper right section of the City of Newton home page to see if we are hiring.

11. Where do I find information on requirements for building inspections?

Please refer to our City of Newton Fire Marshal's Office Handbook regarding Building/Fire Code Policies & Guidelines.  This information can be found under "Code Enforcement - Inspections Required" at the following link.  Fire Marshal Services

12. Is a Knox Box required for my building?

The City of Newton requires the installation of a Knox Box Key Control System on new construction and major remodeling or change in occupant projects.  To find out more about the Knox Box Program and how or what model knox box to purchase, please click on the link.  Code Enforcement / Knox Box Program

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Library

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1. Where is the Newton Public Library?

This Newton Public Library is in Iowa. If you are coming to Newton on I-80, there are two exits for Newton. Take exit 164 (the westernmost exit). Go north on U.S. Highway 6/Iowa Highway 14. Go straight at the stoplight (South 12th Avenue). At the four-way stop sign and flashing red lights, turn east following U.S. Highway 6, which is also 1st Avenue West. (Don't follow Iowa Highway 14 north out of town!) Continue on 1st Avenue West to West 2nd Street (you will be at the southwest corner of the square with the Jasper County Courthouse.) Turn north on West 2nd Street. Go two blocks to North 3rd Avenue West. Taking up the entire block northeast of this intersection you will see a building with a roof as blue as a summer sky. That's the library. Sir Rustolot, our dragon is there on the lawn to greet you.

There is free parking in the lot on the west side of the library and on the streets surrounding the library.

Mapquest link to Newton Public Library

2. How do I get a library card?

Library cards are available free to residents of Iowa. Library cards are issued immediately if you have current photo identification and verifying proof of current Iowa residential address at the time of application. A post office box is not sufficient proof of residency. Mail may be used as proof of address if it has been postmarked within 30 days of the current date.

3. Does the library offer wi-fi access?

Yes. Stop at the information desk to pick up the login information for using the wireless access.

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Police

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1. Do the police do vacation house checks?

We recommend citizens advise us if they are leaving town and their  residence will be unoccupied.  You may read more about the program online.

2. Does my pet need to be licensed?

All DOGS and CATS over 6 months old and MINIATURE PIGS must be licensed annually by March 31st. For more information, view licensing requirements.

3. How can I prove abuse when I file a civil protective order? I called the police, but they said there were no bruises and refused to file charges.

The civil and criminal cases are different. Even if the police won’t file criminal charges, you can still go ahead with the civil case. In the civil case, you tell what happened in the request for a temporary protective order. At the hearing, you will have the opportunity to testify under oath as to what happened. Anyone else who saw what happened may also testify. Then the defendant may testify. The Judge may find one of you more credible as a witness than the other. The defendant may have a history of abusive behavior.

4. How do I get a copy of a criminal record?

Criminal records are only available through the Division of Criminal Investigations (DCI). You may go to the DCI website to get more information on how to get criminal records or contact us and we will provide information on how to get a criminal record.

5. How do I start the process to get a family member or loved one committed for mental health or substance abuse treatment?

You may start a court proceeding for the involuntary commitment, treatment, or hospitalization of another person who suffers a serious mental impairment or who has a substance-related disorder. The court procedures for each situation are similar but not identical. Click here for information available from the Iowa Judicial Branch website.

6. I need to be fingerprinted for a job. Where do I go to get printed and what times are available?

The Newton Police Department provides fingerprinting services to the public by appointment. Mon – Fri from 8 - 9 a.m. and from 1 - 3 p.m. Please call (641) 791-0850 and press 2 to make an appointment. The cost is $20. We accept cash, checks and cards, and there is a 2.35% ($1 minimum) fee to use a card. Please bring a photo ID and wear a mask.

7. I saw suspicious activity in my neighborhood. Should I report it to the police?

Trust your instincts! If you think something is wrong, then it may be. Citizens can be a huge help in preventing criminal activity before it occurs and before someone is a victim. In any case, you will sleep better just having it checked out. Call dispatch at 641-792-5912. If it is an emergency, please call 911.

8. If a peddler comes to my door how do I know they are selling legally?

All peddlers, solicitors, or transient merchants must have a permit from the city before they can attempt to sell their products. Each person  must carry a permit on their person. You may ask to see their permit  before any other action is taken. If they cannot provide the permit you  may call the police to report illegal peddlers.

9. What number do I call for police assistance?

Call 911 for emergency police assistance, and call 641-792-1547 for non-emergency police assistance. If you have questions about pet tags, parking tickets, etc., call the Newton Police Department business office at 641-791-0850 and press 2.

10. Where do I pay a parking ticket?

Parking tickets are payable at the Newton Police Department. Office hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday. 

11. Where can I dispose of unused prescription medications?

Although the city does not provide drug disposal services, several local pharmacies, including The Medicine Shoppe and Medicap Pharmacy, will accept them.

12. Protective Orders - What is domestic abuse?

The law says that domestic abuse is an assault between certain categories of people. An assault can be physical contact that could hurt you or is meant to hurt you, or threatening action with a weapon. Pushing, hitting, kicking, holding, shaking may all be domestic abuse. Unwanted sexual activity is abuse. Verbal abuse by itself is usually not considered domestic abuse under the law. Threats along with the ability to carry out the threat may qualify under the law for obtaining protective orders.

13. Protective Orders - How do I get one?

There are two kinds of protective orders. The first is a criminal no contact order, which is part of the criminal case for domestic abuse. When a person calls the police after he or she has been hurt, the alleged abuser may be charged with domestic abuse, and a no contact order, also known as a protective order, may be issued. The no contact order usually lasts until the trial on the domestic abuse charge (or until a plea bargain is reached). The State of Iowa, as represented by the county attorney, negotiates with the alleged abuser or the attorney representing the abuser. Sometimes the no contact order is dropped after a plea bargain is struck.

The other kind of protective order is a civil protective order. Any victim of domestic abuse can obtain a civil protective order by going to the clerk of court and asking for the form for protective orders. You fill out the form, and give it back to the clerk. Then you go see a judge. The judge will see you ahead of regular court business, because of the emergency nature of protective orders. The temporary order granted by the judge will be in effect until a hearing on the case can take place-usually about 10 to 15 days after you first get the temporary order.

14. Protective Orders - How soon is it effective?

As soon as the sheriff delivers it to the abuser.

15. Protective Orders - I want a protective order, but I still need to talk to him/her about the children.

Make sure your lawyer, or the court if you don’t have a lawyer, knows what you need. The protective order may allow for telephone contact about visitation or the children. It may also allow you to be at the same school functions.

16. Protective Orders - Who can get one?

The law limits the categories of people who can get a protective order to those in a particular relationship with the abuser. These include a spouse, ex-spouse, people living together at the time of the assault or who have lived together within one year before the assault occurred, persons having a child together, or persons in an intimate relationship (significant romantic involvement that does not have to include sexual involvement).

17. Protective Orders - What if there was a threat to "really hurt me" if I get a protective order?

It is always important to plan for your safety. Before you file a protective order, it is important that you think about a safety plan. You can talk to someone at your local domestic abuse shelter, call the Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-942-0333), or talk to your attorney. You may want to stay at a shelter for a time. The protective order cannot keep an abuser from continuing to break the law and hurting you. If you get a protective order and see the defendant near your home, call 911 immediately.

18. Protective Orders - What about the kids?

You can ask the court to give you custody of the kids. You can also ask the court to let you stay in the family home and keep the abuser away from the home. At the permanent protective order hearing, a system for allowing visitation may be set up. Sometimes this will be supervised visits, with the exchange of the children at the home of a trusted family member. Supervision by a social services agency may be available at a small fee.

19. Protective Orders - What about clothes and things? If there is a no contact order, how can arrangements be made for someone to get work clothes I need to have?

The court order may allow the person to come to your home, with a peace officer, to retrieve personal items. Or you can arrange to have them delivered to a family member, if you prefer.

20. Protective Orders - My friend told me I would go to jail if I called the defendant. Is this true?

It is important for you to follow the court order. If it says no communication, then there should be no direct phone calls. Communication should be through your attorney. You could be charged criminally with "aiding and abetting" if you contact the other party. If you have further questions, please visit Iowa Legal Aid for legal advice.