SPENCER, IA (Northwestiowanow) — Jim Vermeer has won the election for the Ward 4 City Council seat in Spencer, defeating Duane Bates.

Results from the Clay County Auditor’s Office show Vermeer won Tuesday’s April 7 special election with 187 votes, or 51.23 percent. Bates received 178 votes, or 48.77 percent.

Shortly after results came in, Vermeer tells KICD, he thanks voters for their support following the close race.

 

The seat became vacant after Donovan Wunschel, who was elected to the council in 2024, resigned following his election as Spencer’s Mayor.

The city council initially appointed Bates to fill the vacancy, but residents of the 4th Ward later forced a special election by petition.

Vermeer says his priorities on the council will include flood protection, infrastructure, economic growth, and neighborhood appearance.

 

As he prepares to take office, Vermeer says his approach will focus on collaboration and representing his ward.

 

A second special city council election in Spencer is scheduled for Tuesday, April 28, to fill the vacant Ward 5 seat.