The Programs & Services Committee met on Wednesday, April 8. See the report and meeting video.
Approved
- $300,000 to Newton Communications Access Center (NewTV) — 6-0 (Bixby not voting). NewTV CEO Bob Kelly explained the funding structure: the City derives revenues from franchise fees and capital payments from Comcast, RCN, and Verizon, which are split with NewTV. Cable subscribers in Newton have declined by more than 50%, from over 28,000 to under 14,000, reducing shared revenues and creating a $500,000 deficit in the NewTV budget. The committee discussed state bill H.91, which would create a streaming service tax to supplement current cable operator taxes.
No Action Necessary
- Pre-budget planning discussion — 6-0 (Bixby not voting). The Mayor’s Budget Address will occur on April 27, beginning the process of department budget presentations. The committee discussed priorities for upcoming budget meetings, including questions about the Law Department’s use of outside counsel, the Elections office, cuts to Newton Public Schools, long-term capital planning, revolving funds, and the possibility of a debt exclusion or operating override.
Held
- Commission to review compensation for Mayor, City Council and School Committee — 7-0. The Chair noted that City Councilors currently earn $15,500 per year, up from $9,750 in 2019, and that low compensation limits the field of potential candidates. The committee discussed commission composition, expertise needed, and whether COLA adjustments should be included.
- Newton City Charter Review — 7-0. The committee began discussion of proposed changes to Articles 6 and 7. On Article 6, straw votes supported removing the City Council’s ability to propose departmental reorganizations (5-3) and requiring the Mayor to submit reorganization plans by March 1 when they affect the budget (5-3). Discussion of Article 7 on Planning was held for further review.
Present: Councilors Krintzman (Chair), Malakie (Vice Chair), Oliver, Baker, Farrell, Charm, and Bixby.
Absent: Councilor Micley.
City staff: Jonah Temple, Deputy City Solicitor; John Rice, Chief Community Service Officer; Miles Starkey, Committee Clerk.
