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Owen County amends jail closing date to July 31, 2026; discusses sewer tie-in with Spencer
Summary
Commissioners extended the property closing for the new jail to on or before July 31, 2026 after appraisals and studies were completed, and discussed a nearly $2 million sewer extension the town of Spencer may help fund in 2029 when LIT control transfers.
Owen County commissioners voted to amend the closing date for the county's planned jail property to on or before July 31, 2026 after receiving appraisals, surveys and environmental reports.
Commissioners reported two appraisals returned at $1,800,000 and $1,650,000 and said geo-technical and environmental studies showed no major issues. "The closing day is now amended uh to be on or before July 31st, 2026," one commissioner said; the motion to amend the closing date was seconded and approved by voice vote.
The board also discussed a required sewer extension from the new jail site to the 5th Street lift station. Commissioners said the town of Spencer is expected to receive public-safety LIT (local income tax) allocations in 2027 and 2028 and that the county council will control those funds in 2029. Commissioners and financial consultant Jeff Peters discussed whether Spencer's allocation could be used to support about a $2 million sewer project and whether the town's contribution would begin now or in 2029.
Officials said additional legwork remains — the project will not go out to bid until later in the year — and that a joint commissioner-council meeting is set for July 13 to brief the county council and seek its blessing to move forward. Mr. Keith, the property owners' attorney, was present and will work with county staff on deed and closing paperwork.
