Sparta Aldermen Pay Invoice For Unapproved Legal Services

Mayor Jerry Lowery said a roughly $30,000 invoice for 2022 legal services had apparently not been board approved.

Lowery said the bill comes from the past administration dealing with an ongoing water pollution lawsuit.

“I can’t find it in the minutes. It was never board approved,” Lowery said. “That is a wrong. I’m just saying we were left in the dark at some point, and we need to make sure it never happens again.”

Alderman Jim Floyd recommended paying the bill to maintain the relationship with the law firm and avoid collection action. The Board of Aldermen approved paying the bill in a 4-2 vote. Lowery and Vice-Mayor Bobby Officer voted against.

“My feeling is look at this to keep our good name for the community, citizens and state,” Floyd said. “We ought to go ahead and pay it. Yes, I probably have some issues paying it, but long-term it would be better for the city of Sparta to pay it.”

Lowery said the board did inquire legal services from the Nashville firm but decided to move forward with another group. However, the previous city attorney moved forward with the firm without approval.

Lowery said $3,600 of the bill is legitimate though when the city held a meeting with the firm in November.