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Council repeals town lake ordinance after resident questions who controls lake rules
Summary
The Spencer City Council voted unanimously May 29 to repeal Municipal Code provision on the Town Lake. A resident asked who will set lake restrictions; Mayor Farmer said Warren County Utility District owns the lake and the city lacks unilateral authority.
The Spencer City Council on May 29 voted unanimously to repeal Municipal Code Title 11, Chapter 1, Section 11-101 (Town Lake) during its second and final reading of Ordinance 2025-2.
Resident Michael Tamez raised questions during public comment about “what the new restrictions will be for the City Lake, if the new restrictions would be lifted after the new water source was obtained, and if Mayor Farmer would appoint a parks and rec board for the lake,” according to remarks recorded at the meeting. Mayor Farmer replied that the city must “contact Warren County Utility District since they own the lake and the city would not have any say.”
Alderman David Chandler moved to repeal the ordinance and Vice Mayor Drew Campbell seconded. The roll call vote recorded Alderman Jody Hensley, Alderman Darrell Nance, Vice Mayor Campbell, Alderman Jerry Blankenship and Alderman David Chandler voting yes; the motion passed.
The council did not adopt new lake restrictions at the meeting. Mayor Farmer indicated next steps would involve contacting Warren County Utility District to clarify ownership and authority before the city could pursue changes. The city did not set a timeline for further action.
What happens next: the city will consult Warren County Utility District regarding authority over Town Lake; any future changes to restrictions would be subject to that consultation and potential follow-up action by the council.
