Warren UD Board Sends Counter Request To New Spencer Mayor

The Warren County Utility District Board does not want to pursue a management contract with the Spencer water system.

Spencer city officials shared a letter of request last month for the utility district to operate the water system while the city maintained ownership. Chair Glenn Mitchell said the board would be interested in purchasing the city’s water system.

“We think we have the expertise, and we have the capabilities and knowledge of the system up there,” Mitchell said. “I believe that we can do a better job.”

Mitchell said the board voted to have its General Manager to send the request to the new mayor of Spencer. Mitchell said from conversations with state officials, they indicated a management contract was not feasible.

“After discussing it and considering all the issues ongoing, we would rather try to purse an arrangement to transfer ownership of the water treatment plant and other assets to us over a period of time,” Mitchell said. “We don’t know if that is something the city of Spencer is interested in doing, but we think that is the best way to help the citizens.”

Mitchell said depreciation of the system and the city’s lack of expertise are the reasons.