2017 Spencer Comprehensive Land Use Plan

Spencer, Iowa  2017  Comprehensive Plan

SPENCER MUNICIPAL UTILITIES (SMU) According to the SMU website at www.smunet.net , the municipal utility’s Mission Statement is to “ Provide safe, reliable, quality products and services to our customer owners with a dedication to excellent customer service. ” Additionally, SMU’s vision for its

business is to position the community of Spencer as a unique place to Live, Work and Play by providing necessary utility services, quality of life communications products and community leadership.

Spencer Municipal Utilities (SMU) is the city’s provider of water service, electricity, and telecommunications consisting of telephone, internet, and cable services. SMU is governed by a five member Utility Board of Trustees. The Trustees are appointed to six (6) year terms by the Mayor of Spencer and confirmed by the City Council. A chairperson to govern the Board of Trustees is selected among the five members each year. The Board meets monthly at the SMU office building in Spencer. Spencer Municipal Utilities was founded in 1942 when the citizens of Spencer voted to place the management and control of the city’s electricity and water utilities into the hands of the Board of Trustees. Again, in 1997, the citizens of Spencer voted and approved to create a municipal communications utility to be owned and operated on behalf of the citizens by SMU. Upon the successful vote, SMU proceeded to create and add the communications utility to be able to provide cable television, internet, and telephone services. Another significant advancement for SMU was the acquisition and remodel of a former industrial building near downtown Spencer into the new SMU operations center. They relocated to the facility in January of 2014. This facility provided SMU an opportunity for advancement of office space, training room space, and adequate space for storage of materials, supplies and equipment. This facility will allow SMU to continue growing and providing necessary utilities for many years to come. Spencer Municipal Utilities continues to look toward the future by providing the community with continued updates and advancement in technology and its services provided.

Photo of SMU office building and staff courtesy of SMU

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NW Iowa Planning & Development