Spencer County considers $35,000 comprehensive plan rewrite, first zoning reading and big splash‑park grant plans

Planning staff presented a first reading for a rezoning request to change 2.442 acres on Cecil Knoll Road from AG‑2 to R‑3 and recommended that the application complies with the county comprehensive plan. The first reading was informational; a final vote will occur at a future meeting after Planning & Zoning completes its process.

Ashley reported that KIPTA provided a quote of roughly $35,000 to comprehensively rewrite the county’s comprehensive plan, a process she said could take six months to a year. Commissioners debated the scope and cost: some members said the plan is outdated and needs a full rewrite to address rapid residential growth, data centers, and updated future‑land‑use mapping; others emphasized careful scope control and phased work if budget is constrained.

On manufactured‑housing policy, staff described constraints imposed by House Bill 160 and noted counties may add design elements — such as cladding and finish‑grade requirements — but cannot prohibit qualifying manufactured homes outright. Commissioners discussed aligning local ordinances with state requirements while preserving neighborhood character.

The court also discussed larger parks work: staff updated commissioners on a planned farmer’s‑market pavilion and a proposed splash park. The county intends to pursue Land & Water grants and other state funding; staff estimated the county’s portion and procurement needs and agreed to provide detailed cost figures for the next meeting. Commissioners recommended requesting full available grant amounts when justified.

Court members asked planning and procurement staff to present specific cost estimates (procurement routes such as Sourcewell/state contracts were suggested) and to return with a package suitable for grant submission at the next regular meeting.