NEWTON COUNTY — The debacle of unpaid fees between the City of Covington and Newton County Schools has officially been litigated. On March 18, the city formally sued Newton County Schools over outstanding stormwater fees. Stormwater fees are user fees based on a property’s impact on the city’s stormwater system. The official complaint filed in Newton County Superior Court came two days after the Covington City Attorney Frank Turner, Jr. said the city would seek legal action against the school system for unpaid fees. According to the complaint filed in Newton County Superior Court, the city is asking for $38,144.30 in unpaid fees dating back to July 18, 2025. At the March 16 City of Covington meeting, Councilman Dwayne Turner said the school system reportedly owed $49,955.69 in unpaid fees. In a response to the filing, Newton County Schools stated, in part: “…Unfortunately, this matter presents a complex legal issue that is not clear, particularly as it relates to school systems and their obligations under current law. As with any issue of this kind, we are reviewing all aspects of the matter to ensure our actions remain aligned with legal guidance and our responsibility to the co
