“The board faces some tough challenges,” said Mayor Buddy Gettys. “Hopefully, some of the tough questions can be asked and answered at the retreat.”

The water feasibility study presented to the board at its January meeting is one of the major topics on the agenda.

“Many of the challenges are signs of the times,” said Gettys. “State and federal environmental restrictions and the cost of maintenance and expansions are driving the cost of providing water and sewer services out of sight. It is reaching a point where it is very difficult for 1,400 users to absorb those costs in their water-sewer bills.”

The overall result of the study showed it would be good for Salisbury to take over Spencer’s water and sewer system. Under Salisbury’s control, Spencer residents could see a 20 percent decrease in their water bills.

But with the benefits come some losses. For example, the board would give up its control over extension of water lines to new developments.

The board has also been asked to focus on the space problem the Fire Department is facing. Karen Alexander, of KKA Architecture, will present some options.

“The board would like to build a new fire station, but currently there is not a consensus on how much to spend or where to locate it,” Gettys said.

Another priority is Park Plaza. Every alderman addressed the issue in November. All recognized that something needs to be to done to the “wart in the middle of the town,” according to Gettys.

“If we could overcome some of the problems, it would be sold and under redevelopment in six months,” Gettys said. “But with multi-owners, environmental problems and all sorts of silly deed restrictions, the issue is very difficult and frustrating.”

The aldermen will also discuss whether they will continue the Spencer CARE Program initiated by the Rowan County Health Department five years ago.

Also on the agenda is the purchase of mobile radios for the Police Department. Police Chief Lane Kepley approached the board in December with a request to purchase six Motorola 800 MHZ mobile radios for the patrol cars.

Currently, officers are using walkie-talkies to communicate with each other and the dispatch center. Kepley said sometimes the batteries run low or the radios malfunction, leaving officers unable to call for backup.

The board delayed a decision until members could discuss it during the retreat.

Other points the board wants to discuss during its stay at Tanglewood Park Manor House Bed & Breakfast in Winston-Salem include the following:

• Constructing a second historic district downtown.
• Street and sidewalk upgrade plans.
• The results of the Spencer/East Spencer annexation lawsuit, which Spencer won.
• Interstate 85 zoning and land use.