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Spencer council approves pension rate, keeps current court software and advances budget, park and court-fee ordinances
Summary
On May 28, 2026, the City of Spencer council approved a 10.81% employer rate for TCRS, voted to remain with Justice One for court software, and advanced three ordinances on first reading including a $2,500 park grant amendment and a court-cost increase amended to $142.
The City of Spencer council on May 28 approved a series of administrative and budget-related items, including setting the minimum employer contribution rate for the Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System (TCRS) at 10.81% and voting to retain the existing Justice One court-management software for now.
Vice Mayor Drew Campbell moved to approve the TCRS minimum employer contribution rate of 10.81%; Alderman David Chandler seconded. The motion passed by roll call: Hensley—Absent; Nance—Yes; Campbell—Yes; Chandler—Yes; Bouldin—Yes.
City Recorder Crystal Crain summarized council staff’s review of court software options. The city currently uses Justice One and pays $550 per month (or $10 per violation, whichever is higher); staff reported the police module has already expired and an upgrade would raise Justice One’s cost to $1,100 per month (or $10 per violation, whichever is higher). Other vendors reviewed included Local Government (quoted $3,952 without the Titan module and $6,232 including Titan), Gov Host (a proposed five-year contract at $7,000 per year, with uncertain compatibility with the TBI), and preliminary pricing from Tyler Technologies (final figures not available). After discussion, Alderman David Chandler moved to stay with Justice One; Alderman Jill Bouldin seconded. Roll call: Hensley—Absent; Nance—Yes; Campbell—Yes; Chandler—Yes; Bouldin—Yes. The council instructed staff to revisit options later.
On ordinance business, the council approved the first reading of Ordinance 2026-3 (a budget amendment to increase a state park grant and allocate $2,500 for additional playground equipment and sand), and it approved the first reading of Ordinance 2026-4, the FY 2026–2027 budget ordinance; Mayor Farmer noted budget figures may change before the second reading to reflect the E911 decision. For court fees, the council considered increasing court costs: Vice Mayor Campbell initially moved to raise court costs to $130 (which includes a $13.75 litigation tax and $2 continuing-education fee). Alderman Jill Bouldin moved to amend the proposal to raise the court cost to $142; Alderman David Chandler seconded. The amendment passed by roll call: Hensley—Absent; Nance—Yes; Campbell—Yes; Chandler—Yes; Bouldin—Yes. The amended amount was advanced on first reading as Ordinance 2026-5.
Mayor Farmer also reported that call-to-election notices have been filed with the Election Commission for the Nov. 3, 2026 municipal election for mayor and three alderman seats, and that the city park has reopened though stage construction continues. The council adjourned on a motion from Vice Mayor Campbell.
