Infrastructure Expansion on Tap in Newberry to Support Growth

NEWBERRY ‒ In a meeting that addressed long-term infrastructure planning and growth, the Newberry City Commission on Oct. 27, 2025, approved several key measures designed to prepare the city for continued development and utility expansion.

With Mayor Tim Marden absent, Chairperson Pro-Tempore Tony Mazon presided over the meeting, which included loan authorizations, land use amendments, and routine procurement approvals on a packed agenda.

Infrastructure Projects

Commissioners voted unanimously to apply for a State Revolving Fund (SRF) loan through the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to finance construction of the city’s new wastewater treatment plant.

The city has already been approved for $20 million in funding, including $14.5 million in loan forgiveness, and must now submit formal documentation to move into the next phase.

Newberry will also apply for Phase 2 SRF funding in the upcoming cycle. Because of its prior approval, the city will receive priority status in the process.

Elevated Water Storage Tank

In a separate vote, commissioners authorized execution of an SRF Construction Loan Agreement to fund a new elevated water storage tank along State Road 26.

The project, essential for maintaining system pressure, fire protection, and future service capacity, reflects the city’s need to accommodate growing residential and commercial demand.

The loan amount totals $4.43 million, including capitalized interest and service fees, with a 20-year repayment term at 2.39 percent interest. Semiannual payments of $142,572 will begin in August 2027, with the construction completion target set for February 2027.

The project will be partially offset by a $1 million grant, reducing the overall loan burden.

Land Use and Zoning Updates

Commissioners also approved Ordinance 2025-50 and Ordinance 2025-65, which finalize the land use and zoning for approximately 111 contiguous acres south of State Road 26, between Southwest 298^th Street and County Road 337. The property, owned by Patrick M. Post, was annexed into the city on Aug. 11, 2025, and will now shift from Alachua County Rural/Agriculture to City of Newberry Agriculture designations under the city’s comprehensive plan.

Both ordinances passed unanimously following quasi-judicial public hearings. City officials said no development plan has yet been submitted for the site.

Additional Actions

As part of the consent agenda, commissioners approved a piggyback agreement with GAI Consultants, Inc., allowing the city to use an existing contract competitively procured by Palm Bay for architectural and engineering services on capital projects under $4 million.

The agreement will allow Newberry to obtain design and planning services more efficiently while complying with procurement rules. Commissioners also authorized the city manager to approve change orders up to 10 percent of the contract value — a standard procedure in city contracting.

Following a brief recess, the commission reconvened as the Board of Adjustment to approve a rear setback variance in CountryWay of Newberry Phase VII, reducing the setback from 10 feet to 4 feet for a tiny home at 24409 Southwest 16^th Lane.

#     #     #

Email cwalker@

alachuatoday.com