Newton City Hall

    Officials in Newton have applied for grant funds to replace the old, leaky roof at city hall as well as other upgrades to the historic building.  

    “Part of city hall just needs a facelift,” Mayor David Car said. “But we do have some roofing problems. We have some leaks that we just haven’t been able to find. And we’ve got leaks and water damage in the boardroom, the bathrooms, and in the public works office.”

    “We’ve got to do something,”  Carr said. “Because one of these days we’re going to have water all over the place if it continues.”

    The city is working with the East Central Planning and Development District on the Community Heritage Preservation Fund grant, which is funded through the through the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. The circa-1908 building is listed on the Mississippi Register of Historic Places, Carr said.

    The city submitted two plans, Carr said: a full upgrade which includes a new roof and other repairs, and a smaller proposal for the roof only.

    The total cost of the full project is estimated at $213,800. The city’s match will be 20%, or $42,760. The estimate for the roof only is $131,00, with the city’s match being $26,230.

    Carr said the city should know if they are approved for the grant by the end of the year.