The Newton County Administration Building is now handicap accessible with a ramp leading to the back public entrance, nearest the board of elections, which has pushbutton access.

In addition, the building's back parking lot off Elm Street now has 17 handicapped parking spots.

The advocacy group Newton County Citizens for Better Government pushed for improvements to be made so that the building would meet federal law and protect the county from any lawsuits, said member Nicholas Day. He credited the county for making the building's exterior handicap accessible, noting it was long overdue.

Residents visit the administration building to pay tax bills and buy car tags, making it one of the most used county buildings.

Newton County and SteelCo Buildings completed the project for $35,328. The money came from the county's contingency fund, which is used to pay for unforeseen or emergency costs.