Rowan County officials are quietly working with the state to develop a plan to aid East Spencer if the state takes control of the town next month.

The Local Government Commission has given the town until Oct. 19 to put its financial house in order, or the state will assume financial control.

County Manager Tim Russell confirmed Thursday that officials of the Local Government Commission have been in contact with the county asking about potential assistance.

The officials are developing options for the worst case scenario.

If the state takes control, the major aim will be to reduce the town’s operating costs and get the town back on a sound financial footing as quickly as possible.

“Everyone feels it is best for East Spencer to recover. No one wants the town to be abolished,” said Russell, adding. “We will do anything we can within reason.”

Russell said the county can provide some assistance at virtually no cost to the county.

The county could become involved in providing fire protection, law enforcement and possibly other administrative areas.

Sheriff George Wilhelm has discussed several options with Russell about providing law enforcement protection.

The Sheriffs Department could treat East Spencer as any other area in the county, responding with deputies as needed.

Other options include contracting with the Local Government Commission to assign one or more officers to East Spencer.

Russell said if additional deputies should be needed, it would require approval by the commissioners.

Several options are also being reviewed to deal with fire protection. Neighboring departments would likely be contracted to provide service.

Russell indicated that state officials also are talking with the city of Salisbury.

“They (the Local Government Commission) will look to the county and the city of Salisbury, thus reducing costs, finding ways to get East Spencer out of the hole quickly,” said Russell.

He cited other possibilities, including the county handling personnel duties, and the city of Salisbury handling utility billing.

According to the Local Government Commission, the town hasn’t adopted a budget for the current year and is nearly $300,000 in the red. The town also has yet to complete an audit for 1999-2000.

Contact Jessie Burchette at jburchette@salisburypost.com  or call 704-797-4254.