Spencer In Final Phase Of Utility Merger

The merger between Spencer’s water and sewer utilities and the Warren County Utility District entering its final phase.

Spencer Mayor Alisa Farmer told Aldermen Thursday night that all deeds and easements have been signed over to the Warren County District, as well as titles to utility trailers and vehicles. Farmer said the city is checking the remaining boxes off the list.

“Those are in the process of being recorded now in the registrar’s office so that is a big hurdle that has happened,” Farmer said. “Then hopefully by December 31st that will be the final day.”

Alderman David Chandler said though the city did not have many options, the merger has been smooth. Chandler said he looks forward to having the merger complete as Warren County Utility District will have more access to improve the city’s utilities in ways the city was unable to before.

“We couldn’t do the improvements of what was really needed for the fact of who wants to pay a minimum $200 water bill,” Chandler said. “I mean that’s how the state works. You know, it’s set up to where if you spend money then you have to charge somebody for that to get that money back in order to continue operation so you know, it has to be done and the merger is a great thing and it will be completed.”

Chandler said he hopes the merger will be the beginning of financial relief for the citizens of Spencer.

“The merger has kind of let a larger district kind of absorb that and with funding from the state the water bills are going to remain the same or actually go down,” Chandler said. “I’m hoping that they go down from what we have discussed.”

Chandler said it will likely take a year or so before the citizens will see drastic improvements. Chandler said he is ready to have better water in the City of Spencer.

In other business, Aldermen approved re-appointing Brandon Griffin as Special Substitute Municipal Judge. Farmer said the city has to re-appoint every 30 days until the full-time judge is hired.

The board approved the increase of state policy salary supplement and general liability insurance on the second and final reading. The board also approved the increase in tourism line item expenses and utility line expenses on the second and final reading.