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Residents, commissioners urge calm and education as petition for metro government circulates
Summary
Residents and a speaker identified as Leo urged the commission for an informational, exploratory approach after a petition seeking a county‑city metro government circulated; commissioners clarified the petition was not a formal act of the commission.
A petition to explore forming a metropolitan government that would merge Van Buren County and the City of Spencer prompted extended discussion and public comment at the July 7 commission meeting, with residents and one speaker urging an educational, exploratory approach.
Resident Leo spoke at length, calling for the rumors and online speculation about a county‑city merger to stop and urging that the question be taken out of social media and into fact‑finding. Leo said the petition is “well worded” and likely drafted by an attorney, but stressed the process is complex and does not automatically place a consolidated government on the ballot. He told the commission, “This is not a simple issue,” and described the state’s process for such petitions, noting that an exploratory committee typically gathers public input before advancing any ballot initiative. Leo said he had no firm opinion and urged a pause on active petition circulation while an exploratory, educational effort takes place.
Commissioners clarified that the petition was not a formal act of the Van Buren County Commission, saying the commission “only speaks through its minutes and its resolutions” and that no formal commission action had authorized the petition. That clarification was intended to counter circulating rumors that the commission had secretly endorsed a consolidation. Several residents who said they helped gather signatures described broad support where they solicited signatures; Kenneth Bates of Baker Mountain said he supports establishing an independent advisory group to study the issue and educate residents.
No formal action was taken by the commission on the petition during the meeting. Several commissioners said they would support an exploratory, educational approach and asked for a balanced ratio of signatures across voting districts if petitioners resume circulation. The discussion underscored a desire among speakers for public education and an orderly process before any ballot measure could be advanced.
