News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Spencer moved its new Economic Development and Tourism Council Thursday with the appointment of 11 new members.
Mayor Alisa Farmer said the city has been advertising the director’s position since July.
“Right now the local tourism director, that job has been announced,” Farmer said. “We’ve got applicants to be interviewed so that is to be determined.”
Farmer said she will be interviewing applicants for the position in the coming weeks. Farmer said she would like to have the position filled before the first meeting in September but is not afraid to have the first meeting without the position filled.
“We’re hoping but it remains to be seen,” Farmer said. “We will move forward with that and it’s not going to stop us from working on this initiative. It will just help us that much further in our goal to push tourism.”
Farmer said the position is a full-time position with the city. Farmer said Tennessee Department of Tourists Development Commissioner Mark Ezell reached out and commended the city for its efforts in trying to maximize the tourism industry.
Aldermen approved 11 members to the council: Chris Binkley, Lisa Bolden, David Cook, Micah Davis, Kenny Delon, Earl Delong, Gage Farmer, Rebecca Harris, Cecilia Laszlo-Martin, Susan Spears, and Brad Taylor.
Farmer said appointing local business owners to the council was a no-brainer.
“It’s very beneficial because it affects them,” Farmer said. “It’s their livelihood and that’s what we are wanting to do is increase that base that these people can have a better life.”
In other business, Aldermen approved an ordinance to amend the municipal code in regards to a judge. The change will allow the city to appoint a judge who is not a current Van Buren County resident. The current code only allows current Van Buren County residents to become a judge for the city. Farmer said the change is no reflection to the current situation.
Aldermen approved the second and final readings for the Travel Policy and cancelling the water rate change for August that was suggested by TBOUR.
Aldermen approved a utility budget. The utility budget was approved to send to the comptrollers office just in case the merger with Warren County Utility District collapsed. Farmer said Warren County Utility district has already submitted a budget for the City of Spencer and that they are submitting one themselves to cover their basis.
