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Taking care of your Loved One Is What We Do BEST!

It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.

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Home Care In Newton, IA

Home Care Newton, IA

They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.

Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Newton, IA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Newton, IA

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.

Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.

The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.

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“Tracey Gray helped me in the biggest way today! She saved my day and I am so thankful for her choice to help me! Thank you! #CertPrint #AlwaysBestCare”

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TESTIMONIALS

“Always best care provided excellent caregivers to us. I am really happy with the care and support they provided to my father. Highly recommended to all!”

James T.
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TESTIMONIALS

“On behalf of my family, I would like to thank Always Best care for all the support your caregivers have provided to my mother. She was very pleased with the care she received. I confidently recommend Always Best Care to all.”

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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care in Cedar Valley IA realy helps me a lot. They have Reliable Caregivers who helped me to take care of my loved one for several years. They are highly trained and managed well the daily routines and activities like bathing and dressing. Caregivers of always best care is dependable and passionate to their work. I am satisfied and so glad that I chose their service. Highly recommend whoever needs their caregiving service!”

Melanie S.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Newton, IA?

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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.

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When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

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The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

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At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

 Senior Care Newton, IA

Types of Elderly Care in Newton, IA

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal Care Services

If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.

Common personal care services include assistance with:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming

Respite Care Newton, IA
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.

Common home helper care services include assistance with:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
 Caregivers Newton, IA
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care Newton, IA
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.

At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.

If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.

 In-Home Care Newton, IA

Benefits of Home Care in Newton, IA

Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:

Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.

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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?

A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.

With the help of elderly care in Newton, IA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.

Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.

Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.

For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.

More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.

In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.

With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.

 Elderly Care Newton, IA

Affordable Care

In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.

Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.

At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.

In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your IA's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
 Senior Care Newton, IA

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Newton, IA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.

Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.

Assisted Living Referral Services

While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.

Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.


Respite Care Newton, IA

At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.

Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
 Caregivers Newton, IA

At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.

Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.

Home Care Newton, IA

For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.

 In-Home Care Newton, IA

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:

A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way

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A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Newton, IA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.

When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.

 Elderly Care Newton, IA

Latest News in Newton, IA

Iowa State University Athletics

Jawaun Newton is in his second season on the Cyclone men's basketball staff, serving as a graduate assistant.In his first season on staff, the Cyclones finished the year 25-10 overall and 13-7 in the Big 12 with an appearance in the second round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament. Iowa State climbed to as high as No. 2 in the country in the AP Poll, the highest ranking in program history. ISU finished the season ranked No. 17 in the AP Top 25, the 12th time in program history the Cyclones have been ranked in the final poll. Iowa State has be...

Jawaun Newton is in his second season on the Cyclone men's basketball staff, serving as a graduate assistant.

In his first season on staff, the Cyclones finished the year 25-10 overall and 13-7 in the Big 12 with an appearance in the second round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament. Iowa State climbed to as high as No. 2 in the country in the AP Poll, the highest ranking in program history. ISU finished the season ranked No. 17 in the AP Top 25, the 12th time in program history the Cyclones have been ranked in the final poll. Iowa State has been ranked for 32-straight weeks, the seventh-longest streak in the country. The Cyclones ended the season with four Top 25 victories, tied for the 10th-most in program history.

Newton played four years of basketball at Evansville (2018-22) and used his COVID season as a graduate transfer at Southern Illinois (2022-23). In his lone season with the Salukis, he saw action in 33 games, including 15 starts, as the Salukis went 23-10 and advanced to the Missouri Valley Tournament semifinals. He averaged 5.3 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game.

In his four-year career with the Purple Aces, Newton appeared in 103 games with 65 starts. He averaged 8.0 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.0 assists per game in his career. He averaged 13.5 points per game as a junior, while averaging 12.7 points and 5.4 rebounds per game as a senior. Newton scored a career-high 30 points in a triple-overtime loss to Rice. In November 2019, he started for the Purple Aces in a 67-64 victory over No. 1 Kentucky, the first win over the top-ranked team in the country in program history for the Purple Aces.

Newton's younger brother, Tristen, won a pair of national titles with UConn and was drafted in the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft by the Indiana Pacers and currently plays for the Minnesota Timberwolves. He is cousins with Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones and former Baltimore Ravens linebacker Alvin Jones.

Flash flood warning issued as storms bring heavy rain to Iowa; NWS reviewing past rotation

Another afternoon of active severe weather brought heavy rains and the threat of flash flooding to central Iowa.Heavy rain ...

Another afternoon of active severe weather brought heavy rains and the threat of flash flooding to central Iowa.

Heavy rain caused flooding issues in Ames and rotation was observed in clouds around the Iowa Speedway in Newton as the area was under a tornado warning.

All watches and warnings have expired for central Iowa, but major flooding continues in some eastern Iowa communities after heavy rain and possible tornadoes.

Flood flood emergency issued for Davenport

Davenport and Bettendorf in eastern Iowa are experiencing significant flash flooding across the city, according to the National Weather Service.

The National Weather Service warns this is a dangerous situation and that residents need to seek higher ground.

Law enforcement reported to the weather service that many roads, including main thoroughfares, were flooded. The city has seen between 2 to 3.5 inches of rain as of 6:40 p.m. Friday, with as much as 2 inches of additional rain possible.

Flood waters have also been reported in the first floors of buildings and vehicles are stalling, the weather service said.

On social media, the NWS warned people to avoid traveling at all in Davenport and Bettendorf. Drivers should never try to drive through a flooded road.

Des Moines area removed from tornado watch

The Des Moines metro has been removed from a tornado watch issued earlier Friday by the National Weather Service.

Around 5:45 p.m., the weather service canceled the watch for 10 of its 21 counties.

The following counties are no longer included:

The watch does continue until 8 p.m. for the remaining areas.

Johnston closes trails, water access points

The Johnston Parks Department has closed trails and water access points due to flooding. Barricades and gate closures are in place to notify those trying to access the trails, according to a city press release.

Closures include:

How much rain did we get?

Multiple rounds of severe storms have brought nearly 3 inches of rain to central Iowa since 12 a.m. Friday, July 12.

The heavy rain caused some flash flooding issues in Ames and prompted a flash flood warning for much of the Des Moines metro until 10 p.m.

Here are some of the highest rainfall totals between 12 a.m. and 5 p.m. Friday:

The rain is just the latest in a rainy week. Here are the highest totals since 12 a.m. Thursday, July 11:

Tornado warning issued for Clarke County

The National Weather Service has issued a tornado warning for northwestern Clarke County until 4:45 p.m.

At 4:19 p.m., a storm capable of producing a tornado was over Murray, or about 10 miles west of Osceola. It was moving east at 25 mph.

The storm is expected to reach the Lakside Casino around 4:35 p.m.

Tornado reported in southwest Iowa

The National Weather Service has issued a tornado warning for Taylor County after an observed tornado near New Market.

Shortly before 4 p.m., emergency management officials confirmed a tornado about 10 miles east of Clarinda that was moving east at 15 mph. The storm was moving toward Gravity.

The warning is in effect until 4:30 p.m.

Philip Joens

After a storm system brought heavy rain and reports of rotation within clouds, the Iowa Speedway is shutting down for the rest of the day.

By 3:30 p.m. drivers, crew members and others were allowed to leave the safety of the track's media center. IndyCar canceled remaining track activity for the day just before 4 p.m. An updated schedule will be released later, according to IndyCar officials.

The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood warning for the Des Moines metro area until 10 p.m. Friday, July 11.

As of about 4 p.m., the area had received 1-2 inches of rain with an additional 1-2 inches possible through Friday evening.

The weather service warned of flooding in small creeks and streams, roads and other areas with poor draining or that are low-lying.

Drivers should avoid flooded street and everyone should avoid walking through any standing water.

Waukee sees flooding, downed tree limbs

The pedestrian underpass and trail at 10th Street that goes from Triumph Park to Stratford Crossing Park in Waukee is closed due to flooding, according to a news release. In Centennial Park, a fallen tree limb is stuck in the tree next to the bridge on the western side of the park. The bridge is closed until it can be removed.

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The National Weather Service in Des Moines says they have not received confirmed tornado reports in Newton. They have received photos but they said it appears to be a rotating wall cloud, not a tornado, said meteorologist Chad Hahn.

Tornado warning for Newton area expires, watch remains for much of Iowa

A tornado warning for Jasper County and areas around the Iowa Speedway was allowed to expire at 3:15 p.m.

Much of the state to the south and east of Des Moines remains under a tornado watch until 8 p.m. as conditions are right for dangerous storms to form throughout the evening.

Meanwhile in Ames, heavy rain caused flash flooding off University Avenue near Hilton Colosseum. See the photos:

Philip Joens

At least two different areas of rotation were visible from the Iowa Speedway in Newton over the last 30 minutes.

One area of rotation was seen behind the main grandstand at the speedway and passing to the west. An earlier area was seen passing to the northeast around turn four of the track.

Journalists at the event could not see if the rotation reached the ground.

Philip Joens

On Friday a critical practice was scheduled for IndyCar to make the second lane raceable. Practice was scheduled to begin at 3:30 p.m. but tornado sirens on the infield whaled around 2:37 p.m. as IndyCar asked people in the infield to seek shelter in the media center.

IndyCar qualifying is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday. The forecast for Saturday and Sunday is much better with sunny skies and highs in the 80s forecast.

Track severe weather, potential tornadoes on Iowa radar

Follow the latest conditions in central Iowa with the latest radar loop from the National Weather Service's Des Moines radar

Where do IndyCar fans go during a storm?

Iowa Speedway has no basement for fans, drivers or other personnel to seek shelter in.

Crew members and drivers, who stay in recreational vehicles on the grounds, were asked to seek shelter in the Iowa Speedway media center.

Alex Palou, who has won three of the last four IndyCar titles, has a 113-point lead on second-place Kyle Kirkwood and won this year’s Indianapolis, took shelter in the media center from the storm with his infant daughter.

Fans were asked to seek shelter in their cars.

The National Weather Service has tips on how to stay safe during a severe thunderstorm or tornado warning:

A possible tornado approaching from the northwest was visible over turn four of the oval track at the Iowa Speedway on Friday afternoon.

Around 2 p.m. practice for IndyCar’s developmental series IndyNXT was yellow flagged due to rain on the racetrack. About 5 minutes later, fans were asked to clear the grandstands as lightning approached the track.

The National Weather Service then issued a tornado warning. Fans were asked to seek shelter in their cars.

IRUA and Newton reach a settlement agreement after water rates dispute

Dismissals of lawsuits to be filed, new rates established, contract extendedIowa Regional Utilities Association and the City of Newton have agreed to drop their lawsuits against each other and reach a settlement, finally putting to rest a nearly year-long litigation over water rate increases lobbed against the utility company back in March 2024. Council approved the settlement last week.The agreement states neither IRUA nor the city admits to any wrongdoing. As part of the deal, the water utility is to pay Newton more than $2...

Dismissals of lawsuits to be filed, new rates established, contract extended

Iowa Regional Utilities Association and the City of Newton have agreed to drop their lawsuits against each other and reach a settlement, finally putting to rest a nearly year-long litigation over water rate increases lobbed against the utility company back in March 2024. Council approved the settlement last week.

The agreement states neither IRUA nor the city admits to any wrongdoing. As part of the deal, the water utility is to pay Newton more than $285,000 over four months, and the city is to modify its water purchase contract with IRUA. The new contract was approved in a unanimous vote from council at its June 16 meeting.

In addition to repealing the old rates and establishing new rates that are already approved for fiscal years 2025, 2026 and 2027, the city’s 20-year contract with IRUA also creates new monthly volumes and stipulates all future rate changes be adjusted based on percentage changes in Newton residential water rates.

According to the settlement agreement, both the city and IRUA agree to never file a lawsuit or file or submit a claim regarding this particular water rate issue, unless there is a breach in the agreement. Within 15 days of executing the agreement, the parties are to file dismissals with prejudice of their pending lawsuits.

Other terms of the agreement prohibit either party from publishing or posting any statement that is “disparaging to the reputation or goodwill of the other party” in any kind of public forum or on a social media platform. Breaching this part of the agreement allows the non-breaching party to file injunctive relief.

WHAT LED TO THE LAWSUITS?

Initially, IRUA was charged as low $1.09 per 1,000 gallons for zero to 31 million gallons a month to as high as $1.23 per 1,000 gallons for anything above 93 million gallons. Newton officials say they conducted a rate study and determined an increase to IRUA’s rates were necessary.

The rates last year changed to $9.73 per 1,000 gallons for a minimum of 0 to 31 million gallons a month; $9.73 per 1,000 for the next 14 million gallons, $9.79 for the next 48 million gallons; $3.27 per 1,000 for a minimum of 93 million gallons a month; and $3.34 per 1,000 for anything over 93 million gallons.

Council’s controversial decision to waive the second and third readings of the rate changes — and adopting them on the spot — caused unrest with rural water customers. IRUA stated to Newton News at the time it had only heard about the rate changes after the newspaper reached out to the utility company for comment.

Since these past rates for the lower volumes increased by nearly 800 percent, IRUA was incentivized to purchase the higher volumes at a discounted rate.

Ronald Dunsbergen, the president of the IRUA Board of Directors, argued in a past statement to Newton News that the utility company only purchased a minimum of 93 million gallons once every three months over the past three years, meaning it would likely have to pay the lower monthly minimum volume.

Legal action was taken by IRUA, which sued the city for breach of contract and defamation. The drama only compounded when the mayor alleged IRUA owes hundreds of thousands of dollars in back payments to the city for refusing to commit to the new water rates set by council.

However, IRUA CEO Matt Mahler disputed the mayor’s statement at that time, but he confirmed the company did file a lawsuit with the city.

Following the council’s approval of the settlement agreement, it is assumed that all of these past issues are now moot and put to rest.

WHAT ARE THE NEW WATER RATES?

IRUA’s new water rates, effective May 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026, have been set at $2.59 per 1,000 gallons for a monthly minimum of 75 million gallons to a monthly maximum of 100 million gallons. The rate will increase to $2.76 per 1,000 gallons effective July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027.

All rate increases after June 30, 2027 shall be, in percentage terms, equal to or less than those applied to residential customers for the term of the contract. Any usage exceeding the allotted monthly maximum will be charged at twice the prevailing rate at that time.

Mahler previously told Newton News that IRUA is evaluating financial models considering the city’s proposed rates and is working to mitigate the effect the rates will have on the bills of IRUA’s customers. The earliest any rate decision would be implemented for an IRUA customer would be Jan. 1, 2026.

IRUA will communicate any rate decisions directly to customers before any new rates go into effect.

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