Spencer, IA (KICD) — Although it’s not official, the Spencer City Council is signaling it will proceed with the proposed Splash-pad project without a bond issue; and allow the public to vote separately for renovations at the Aquatic Center and construction of a new campground.

City Attorney Don Hemphill told city officials a Splash-pad could be funded as “as essential purpose” under state law and would not need a public vote. The other projects would require an election.

During Monday’s workshop session, councilman Tom Nelson – who also chairs the council’s Park and Rec Committee – said he thinks there should only be ONE bond issue question.

Councilman Brian Balk, though, thinks the public should be given individual choices on the two remaining projects.

Councilmembers Donavan Wunschel, Loren Reit, David Lyon, and Tracey Larsen agree that there should be separate bond issues. Wunschel fears there’s enough opposition to the campground – which he personally supports – to sink the Aquatic Center project if they’re tied together.

Councilman Ron Hanson said he’d probably prefer one bond issue, but is fine either way.

A public vote will be required to get the issue, or issues, on the November ballot.  The current engineer’s estimate on all three projects is in the 7 million dollar range.