City budget includes splash pad and no increase in taxes

Sparta Board of Mayor and Aldermen passed the 2023-2024 city budget at the June 15, 2023 meeting.  The budget passed with the mayor and board of alderman in total agreement to the budget.  Mayor Jerry Lowery stated his first budget as mayor was a smooth process because the board and department heads worked together with city administrator Tonya Tindle to get the budget in place. 

“Each item was discussed, and we felt that the needs of our city have been addressed in the budget,” Mayor Lowery said. 

Mayor Lowery stated that as he campaigned, the residents made it clear that some recreational activities for the community needed to be addressed. 

“I heard the residents and saw the results of a survey completed by the county, and the need for a splash pad was evident,” Lowery said. “I requested the board join with me in this vision for our community, and the board overwhelming agreed about this project that will be a great addition to our community.”

The mayor and board of aldermen approved $2.3 million dollars this year to begin the process of a splash pad.  Lowery also said that it was time the city invested taxpayer dollars back into the community.

“I am so excited to get this project started and see this splash pad and playground area take shape,” Mayor Lowery added. “We also added some monies to begin the process of a new fire truck, a new sanitation truck, and a lighting project on Highway 111.  The best thing is our budget does not include a tax increase.”

Sparta Board of Mayor and Aldermen meets at 5 p.m., on the first and third Thursdays of each month, at city hall, on Liberty Square. The public is invited to attend. Meetings are also livestreamed and can be viewed on city of Sparta’s YouTube channel.