The Rundown – City finalizes tax abatement for Hillsboro Industries

Published on December 10, 2025

The Rundown is prepared by the City of Newton Communications Office to summarize the City Commission action and does not represent official Commission minutes.

7 p.m. Dec. 9, 2025, Newton City Commission meeting

At Tuesday’s meeting, the City Commission finalized a 10-year tax abatement and issuance of Industrial Revenue Bonds for Hillsboro Industries’ new Newton facility.

The Hillsboro-based truck bed and trailer manufacturer recently opened its new 56,000-square-foot manufacturing facility on East First Street, with a total construction cost of about $8 million, plus additional equipment and furnishings. Hillsboro had estimated they would create about 50 new full-time jobs at the Newton plant, with an average salary of $58,000.

The property tax abatement delays the collection of property tax on the newly constructed improvements; the property continues to pay taxes at its previous valuation. The IRBs also include a sales tax exemption on materials purchased during construction.

CEO Mike Gerken said the company is excited to start production of a new style of trailer in February and another planned in June. He said the company’s revenue for 2026 is predicted to be 50% more than in 2025. Commissioners congratulated him and thanked him for investing in Newton.

Themian Park

The Commission approved a new agreement with the Public Building Commission, the Railer Foundation, the Newton Recreation Commission, and USD 373 for improvements to Themian Park. Under the new agreement, the $1.8 million project will be split into three phases rather than requiring full up-front funding.

The City will pursue a Community Development Block Grant to help fund the first phase of improvements. The grant would provide $800,000, with a minimum 20% required local match, which could be paid using private funds already raised. To move forward with the grant application, the City would need to contract with Schaefer Architecture to provide the preliminary engineering report, estimate, and renderings.

As the primary funding source, the Railer Foundation will be responsible for reimbursing the City if the project is terminated.  

Commission reorganization

The Commission conducted its annual reorganization, selecting Rich Stinnett as mayor and Melanie Watson as vice mayor for the ensuing year.

By tradition, Vice Mayor Kathy Valentine was next in line to step into the mayor role. Instead, Vice Mayor Valentine nominated Mayor Stinnett to serve as mayor for another year. She said she enjoys serving where she is and has appreciated the leadership of Mayor Stinnett.

The Commission also recognized outgoing Commissioner Rod Kreie for his dedicated service to the community. Mayor Stinnett thanked him for sharing his time, talents, and valuable experience, and asked him to continue to serve, lead and inspire the community.

The Commission then welcomed new Commissioner Jason Miller to the governing body.

Constitution contest

The Commission recognized the winners of the Harvey County Constitution Essay Contest. The contest included 17 entrants this year from four county high schools and had five finalists.

Honorable mention winner Zoey Hoskinson thanked the organization and her teachers for helping her grow as a person through the opportunity. Newton High School’s other winners, Jose Martinez (1st), Adam Anderson (2nd) and Max Rose (3rd), were unable to attend.

In other action, the City Commission:

1. Approved a new road maintenance agreement with Harvey County to include South Hillside from Southeast 12th to First Street in the City’s maintenance responsibilities.
2. Conducted a public hearing and approved a 2025 budget amendment for the Meridian Center to allow for the use of funds for increased business activity.
3. Approved a temporary alcohol permit for Eastgate Lanes’ New Year’s Eve event on Dec. 31-Jan. 1.
4. Approved a resolution for Carriage Factory Art Gallery to serve complimentary alcoholic beverages at events promoting the arts in 2026.
5. Appropriated funds for 2026, ratified 2025 claims for payment, and canceled 2024 bad debts for accounting purposes.
6. Outlined the 2025 corporate boundaries of the city.
7. Approved additional applications for 2026 cereal malt beverage licenses.

For more information, please contact Director of Communications Erin McDaniel at 316-284-6055 or emcdaniel@newtonkansas.com.