The Newton City Commission closed a public hearing and approved an amendment to the 2025 budget for the Meridian Center after a presentation from Johneta Shepek, the city’s director of finance.

Shepek told commissioners the amendment is authorized under Kansas statute 79-29a when a fund’s expenditures are expected to exceed the adopted budget. She walked the commission through the numbers: the adopted beginning unencumbered cash balance for the Meridian Center was $12,972 and the amended beginning balance is $53,006.41, yielding larger total resources (originally about $477,009.72, amended to $518,006.41). The original authorized expenditures were $443,998; the proposed amended expenditure authority is $518,006.41.

Shepek said the amendment reflects additional resources available and does not guarantee the full amount will be spent but is needed so the city may lawfully expend the funds. No members of the public spoke during the hearing. The commission approved the amendment by motion.

Johneta Shepek noted the process is a routine statutory requirement when revenues exceed estimates and spending authority must be increased.