The Newton City Commission approved an updated road maintenance agreement with Harvey County that clarifies which jurisdiction maintains certain roads inside city limits.

Ed (Speaker 16) told the commission the agreement memorializes long-standing cooperative practice between city public works staff and county officials. He cited Hillside (between 1st and Southeast 12th) as an example of a road that should move to city maintenance because it primarily serves Newton traffic; he said the allocation typically results from conversations about traffic patterns, snow-route design and efficiency rather than a rigid formula. Commissioners asked whether criteria could be quantified; Ed said the decision is often subjective and determined in coordination with the county.

After discussion commissioners moved to approve the maintenance agreement and the motion passed by voice vote.