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Spencer council approves travel policy, utility budget and multiple first-readings
Summary
At its Aug. 29 meeting, the Spencer City Council approved a new travel policy and the utility budget, raised planning fees, advanced multiple municipal-code and budget amendments on first reading, and reappointed the police chief to the 911 board.
Mayor Farmer presided over the Spencer City Council meeting on Aug. 29, 2024, where aldermen approved a series of administrative and budget measures affecting city operations.
The council adopted Ordinance 2024-3, the city travel policy, on its second and final reading after Alderman David Chandler moved and Alderman Darrell Nance seconded the motion. The roll call vote recorded Alderman Hensley as absent and Aldermen Nance, Vice Mayor Drew Campbell, Jerry Blankenship and Chandler voting yes.
The council also approved a second-and-final-reading amendment to Ordinance 2006-5 to accept a TBOUR recommendation canceling a planned rate change in August; Vice Mayor Campbell moved the measure with Alderman Blankenship seconding, and the same four members present voted yes.
Because a proposed utility merger was not completed by Aug. 31, the council approved a utility budget for submission to the Comptroller’s office. Alderman Blankenship moved the motion and Alderman Chandler seconded it; roll call again showed Hensley absent and the four other aldermen voting yes.
Several items passed on first reading. The council approved a first reading of Ordinance 2024-4 to update municipal code language related to the municipal judge; Alderman Jerry Blankenship moved the measure and Alderman Nance seconded. Council also approved a first reading of Budget Amendment #1 to add EPA/TDEC fines tied to a second-quarter 2024 HAA5 disinfection byproducts violation; Vice Mayor Campbell moved the amendment and Alderman Blankenship seconded. Both measures passed the roll call with Hensley absent and the remaining members voting yes.
The Planning Commission’s recommendation to increase fees for special exception, administrative review, rezoning and variance applications from $60 to $100 passed after a motion by Alderman David Chandler and a second by Alderman Nance. Council said the change was intended to cover advertising costs.
The council reappointed Police Chief Scott Garing to the 911 board by unanimous vote of members present after Alderman Chandler moved and Vice Mayor Campbell seconded the motion.
The meeting concluded with an executive-session return and brief informational updates on tourism and utilities. Several measures were first readings and will return to council for further action as required by ordinance and procedure.
