The Department of Public Works and Utilities employees approximately 75 people in the following divisions:

Electric Distribution
Street Maintenance
Sanitation
Water/Sewer Maintenance
Water Treatment
Wastewater Treatment

The Department also maintains responsibility for City Engineering Services. The Engineering Division reviews land development plans for compliance, coordinates most capital improvement projects, oversees the inspection of public improvements by land developers and designs minor engineering projects.

The overall departmental budget is approximately 13 million dollars from the general, water, sewer electric and Powell Bill funds.

How to Make Public Works and Utilities Work for You

One day you or your family may need the assistance of Public Works and Utilities. Maybe you have a pothole in your road, or a street light needing repair. If you find yourself needing city assistance, take the following steps prior to making your initial call.

1.  Assess the situation. 
2.  Write down the specific location of the problem area.
3.  Be prepared to give your name and telephone number.
4.  Be prepared to answer questions regarding the nature of your problem.
5.  Arming yourself with information will help us to address the problem promptly. The more information you can provide city staff the better. Most problems are addressed within two-weeks. 
6.  What Happens When I Call Public Works and Utilities
7.  When you call Public Works and Utilities:
8.  Office staff generate a work order based upon information you give.
9.  Office staff place appropriate work orders in supervisor boxes.
10. Supervisors schedule jobs based upon priority level and location. Emergency calls receive priority attention.
11. Field crews perform work according to established schedule.
12. If crews encounter no problems, work should be complete within 2 weeks. 
13. Calls relating to Street Maintenance (e.g. paving, resurfacing, curb cuts, storm drain repair, etc. . .) are passed on to the supervisor for inclusion on an established schedule. Utility cuts (e.g. holes cut in road to repair water leaks) receive attention once work is complete.

Remember!!! Newton is now a member of the North Carolina One Call Center.  Before doing any work outdoors requiring digging, call 800-632-4949 to have your utilities located. It's the law! You will save yourself at lot of trouble and money if you make the call. 

If you need your power lines lowered for house repair, call 828-695-4310. The city requires at least 48hr notice for both types of requests.