Spencer Talks About Focusing On Tourism Follow Governors Conference

Spencer Alderman discussed increasing their focus on tourism Thursday night following Governor Bill Lee’s recent Conference on Tourism and Hospitality.

Spencer Mayor Alisa Farmer said the governor recognized Van Buren County’s increase in tourism. Farmer said the county ranks 44th out of 95 counties in the state for tourism, and number four in the Upper Cumberland. Farmer said Spencer needs to work to expand its tourist offerings.

“Agriculture is the number one economic driver of the state, and tourism is number two,” Farmer said. “And if we’re number 44 in the state then we’re losing a lot of opportunities.”

Farmer said she asked state officials for help and they responded positively. Farmer said she hopes to bring up the topic more going forward.

In other business, Aldermen heard about a water leak relief plan. It allows citizens to opt-in for insurance for water leaks. Citizens were allowed to opt out of the plan.

“It’s just more cost efficient for the customer because the water leak relief is like an insurance policy,” Farmer said. “And if you have a problem they will pay your bill.”

Farmer said any who opted out of the plan will still be given the opportunity to pay off water leak damages over 12 months if inside city limits.

“We were just offering it as a benefit to our customers not as a burden,” Farmer said. “But it’s an option, even though they opted out doesn’t mean we’re going to change our ways of dealing with them.”

Spencer Alderman approved accepting professional services from Warren & Tuggle for a drainage issue on Sparta Street.