The Newton City Public Facilities Committee meeting on April 30, 2025, focused primarily on the public buildings budget and upcoming changes within the department. Key discussions included the retirement of Bill Ferguson, adjustments to staffing, and the opening of the new Cooper Center.

During the meeting, the budget was reviewed, highlighting a decrease in salaries due to Ferguson's retirement, which resulted in a net reduction of $77,004. This change coincides with a planned transition of the sustainability position to a new independent department, although it will remain connected to public buildings for the time being.

The committee also discussed the Cooper Center, set to open in the fall. The budget includes provisions for hiring custodians, with plans for both daytime and nighttime shifts, as well as a small overtime budget for weekend events. Additionally, cleaning supplies for the new facility will be managed within the public buildings budget.

Another significant point raised was the allocation for school building maintenance, which totals $786,500. This amount covers water and sewer costs for Newton Public Schools, a financial strategy implemented years ago to stabilize school budgets by transferring these expenses to the public buildings department.

The meeting also touched on the number of municipal buildings in Newton, which totals approximately 88, although this number can fluctuate based on various factors. The discussion included surplus buildings, such as former libraries, which incur utility and maintenance costs that are absorbed by the public buildings budget.

Overall, the meeting underscored the ongoing efforts to manage the city's public facilities effectively while preparing for new developments like the Cooper Center. The committee remains focused on ensuring that the budget aligns with the city's operational needs and future growth.