Spencer, IA (KICD)– The Spencer City Council reviewed a proposal from an outside firm on Tuesday that would assist in finding additional retail options that would be a good fit for the community.

City Manager Dan Gifford told the council he is aware of a bad feeling for some related to past experiences with similar groups but says the proposal from The Retail Coach is better developed and, in his opinion, has a better chance of closing on deals because of relationships already built.

Councilman Loren Reit, who heads the Long Term Planning Committee, added that The Retail Coach is about more than simply recruiting but also helps fill holes for products not currently available in the community.

There were at least a couple of council members hesitant to jump right into a twenty thousand dollar deal so quickly which eventually led to Gifford being asked what he sees as the overall goal should the city move forward.

Finance Director Brian Weuve addressed another concern presented during the committee meeting is whether or not the city would be on the hook for an entire second year in the event the contract expires, and a deal is close to being completed is not quite there.

Since there were some unanswered questions, the council voted unanimously to table the measure while also asking staff to gather some additional information including talking with other communities in the state using this firm about their initial impressions.