Spencer council adopts 2018 building and fire codes, approves budget amendments, appointments and loan payoff authorization

The Spencer City Council on Nov. 21 adopted Ordinance 2024-7, bringing the city’s building and fire regulations into alignment with the 2018 International Building Code, International Residential Code and International Fire Code. Mayor Farmer opened and closed a public hearing on the second and final reading before Codes Official Leland Bouldin explained the change was required to remain within the state’s seven-year adoption window and to simplify fee processing. Alderman David Chandler moved to approve the ordinance; Alderman Darrell Nance seconded. The roll call vote was unanimous: Aldermen Jody Hensley, Darrell Nance, Vice Mayor Drew Campbell, Jerry Blankenship and David Chandler all voted yes.

Council also approved several budget amendments on first reading. City Recorder Crystal Crain described Budget Amendment #2 as increasing the state police salary supplement for Chief Garing — a state-provided retention supplement — and increasing general liability insurance to cover items and property that will transfer in a pending merger. Vice Mayor Drew Campbell moved approval and Alderman Darrell Nance seconded; roll call was unanimous. Budget Amendment #3 established new tourism expense line items (tourism expense, tourism wages, and tourism payroll taxes) to account for grant-funded activity; Alderman Jerry Blankenship moved approval and Alderman Nance seconded; the motion passed unanimously. Budget Amendment #4 increases utility-related line items for water purchases, publishing, convenience fees, annual permits and pump station maintenance with a decrease from fund balance; Alderman David Chandler moved approval and Vice Mayor Campbell seconded; the motion passed on a unanimous roll call.

On personnel matters Mayor Farmer swore in re-elected officials Drew Campbell and Darrell Nance. The council also approved Resolution 2024-8 to appoint Brandon Griffin as a special substitute municipal judge; Mayor Farmer said Judge Burke remains in poor health and that the council will reappoint Griffin every 30 days until Burke can return. Vice Mayor Campbell moved approval and Alderman Jody Hensley seconded; the motion carried unanimously.

The council authorized Mayor Farmer to file paperwork to pay off a TML loan in full around March 25, 2025. Mayor Farmer said the loan cannot be transferred to Warren County Utility District (WCUD) and confirmed utility funds would be used for payoff; Alderman David Chandler asked which fund would be charged and Mayor Farmer said utility funds. Alderman Chandler moved approval and Alderman Nance seconded; the roll call was unanimous.

Items not advanced to formal action included a proposed update to the personnel handbook (Resolution 2024-7), which was tabled, and a Safe Routes to School sidewalk contract where the single valid bid received exceeded available budget; city staff said they have requested additional funds from the Tennessee Department of Transportation and recommended no board action at this time.

The council approved the minutes from the previous meeting at the start of the session and adjourned after the day’s business.